By Anastasiia Vovchenko, Jewish Family Services of Delaware RISE Client
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My family and I never planned to come to the United States. Like millions of other Ukrainians, we were forced to leave our home because of the war. This became a journey of resilience, growth, and educational achievement. Looking back now, as a graduate of Delaware Technical Community College, I can see how education became both a goal and a source of hope during one of the most difficult periods of my life.
My educational journey was interrupted multiple times. First, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way students learned and created uncertainty about the future. Then, in 2022, war broke out in Ukraine. My university studies came to a stop as my family and I focused on safety. We remained in Ukraine for about a month after the war began before making the difficult decision to leave everything behind.
While we were living in the country of Georgia and trying to determine our next steps, a friend of my father from college reached out and offered for our family to come to the United States through the Uniting for Ukraine program. That is how we were able to move and begin rebuilding our lives.
We settled in Delaware and gradually started integrating into a new community. We attended a Ukrainian church and connected with Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS), an organization which helps refugees and immigrants adjust to life in their new home. At that time, I was unsure whether continuing my education was even realistic. My English writing skills were not strong enough for college-level coursework, and I questioned whether pursuing a degree in the United States was possible.
Through JFS, I was connected with English as a Second Language classes at the Language Institute at the University of Delaware. Those classes became a turning point for me. I improved my reading, writing, and speaking skills and gained confidence in my ability to communicate. I began to believe in myself again.
JFS also organized many events where my family met volunteers who would become some of our closest friends, including Annette, Ron, Nancy, and Carolyn. From the very beginning, they saw potential in me. They encouraged me to continue my education and reminded me that my experiences and abilities mattered. Their support helped me find the courage to challenge myself and explore opportunities for higher education.
We first looked into attending the University of Delaware, but because I had not completed high school in the United States, obtaining scholarships was difficult. Although that was disappointing, it helped me with discovering Delaware Technical Community College, which became the perfect place to begin my educational journey in America.
At Delaware Tech I chose to major in Business Marketing. It was one of the best decisions I could have made. Not only did I study marketing, but I also developed knowledge in accounting, management, and other areas of business. The college worked hard to create an environment where all students felt welcome. Even being a foreigner, I genuinely felt that I belonged there.
Delaware Tech also offered a strong support system. I took advantage of tutoring services and leadership opportunities that helped me grow both personally and professionally. Along the way, I built real relationships with instructors and classmates who supported my success.
One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to complete an internship. Through Delaware Tech, I interned with AI Whoo School, where my supervisor taught me about entrepreneurship, project management, and marketing. He trusted our team with meaningful responsibilities and allowed us to take the lead on projects. That experience gave me practical skills and confidence that will benefit me throughout my career.
During my two years of college, JFS continued to support me. Knowing that I could always turn to them for guidance made a tremendous difference. Their encouragement extended beyond academics and reminded me that I was never alone in my journey.
In May 2026, I graduated from Delaware Technical Community College with a degree in Marketing. It was a moment of pride not only for me but for everyone who had supported me along the way. My journey has not been easy. I have had to learn a new language, adapt to a new culture, and navigate an unfamiliar educational system. Despite that, through every challenge I have learned that education can open doors and create opportunities, even when circumstances seem impossible.
Most importantly, I learned that success is never achieved alone. My family, my boyfriend, my friends, the Ukrainian community, and Jewish Family Services provided the encouragement and support I needed to complete my degree. Their belief in me helped me believe in myself.
The war forced me to leave my home, but it did not take away my determination to learn, grow, and build a future. Education helped me to find myself again and I am grateful for all the people who have supported me.
Photo provided by Anastasiia Vovchenko
