Ukrainian refugee, Yulianna Skakun, is embracing her new life in the UK with determination and optimism as she embarks on her law degree at the University of Northampton. Having fled her war-torn homeland alone at just 16, Yulianna’s journey to education has been nothing short of inspiring.
Relocating to Rugby, Warwickshire, she arrived in the UK after a challenging trek that began in western Ukraine, then took her through Poland. “My journey was very stressful, but I had a purpose: to get an education,” she shared, highlighting her commitment to her studies amidst the turmoil back home.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, over 200,000 Ukrainian refugees have sought safety in the UK, with Yulianna’s story shining a light on the resilience of those affected. After settling in Rugby, she excelled in her A-levels in politics, business, and English, while simultaneously completing her final exams online from Ukraine. “My parents invested a lot in my education and my English,” she reflected, showcasing her strong familial support.
Yulianna chose to pursue a law degree, inspired by her interest in politics and her mother’s profession as a lawyer. A pivotal moment in her journey came when she completed a placement at the High Court in June, solidifying her ambition to practice law.
Now at university, Yulianna has found a vibrant multicultural community where she feels welcome and connected. “It was good weather the first week, and the process of starting university was really smoothly organised and structured,” she noted, relishing her newfound independence. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to focus on her studies without relying on her host family.
Looking to the future, Yulianna remains hopeful yet adaptable. While she admits she “can’t predict” what lies ahead after completing her degree, she is excited about the possibilities. “My life has totally changed,” she stated, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that characterises her journey.
