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Ukraine Refugee Graduates UK University With Distinction
26 Jan
Summary
- Sofia Demkiv fled Kyiv due to the Russian invasion.
- She achieved a distinction in her master's degree.
- Demkiv expressed profound gratitude for UK's safety and support.
Sofia Demkiv, who fled war-torn Ukraine, has graduated with distinction from Keele University's master's in marketing program. Demkiv, now 23, left her home in Kyiv with her family in April 2022, seeking refuge in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and settling in Stoke-on-Trent.
She described the graduation as "incredibly special" and a moment of feeling "truly proud" of her academic accomplishments. Demkiv recalled the fear and stress of leaving Ukraine at 19 when explosions were heard near her home. The uncertainty about their home's existence weighed heavily on the family during their move to a new country.
Demkiv recently visited Kyiv and noted the residents' difficult adaptation to ongoing conflict, a stark contrast to the safety she found in the UK. She expressed deep gratitude for the "level of kindness" and support received, cherishing the feeling of safety the UK provided.
Looking ahead, Demkiv aims to gain further work experience and pursue a career in the financial technology sector, with hopes of eventually returning to Ukraine to raise a family.
