b'STUDENTSpotlightROKSOLANA MYKYTIUKRoksolana Mykytiuk, a native of Ukraine and UF graduate exchange student from the University of Warsaw (Poland), recalls the exact date when she first heard of the war breaking, It was on February 24th. It was a Wednesday. I checked my phone, and I had messages from my mom. It was probably the samemessage that everyone got. Like the rest of the world,Make sure you do whatever Roksolana tremored about the news of Russia invadingyou can, because its not her native country. Although for years the people ofabout Russia or UkraineUkraine heard rumors about a possible invasion, noIts about bigger things. Its one talked about it, and in her mind (and perhaps many others minds), If Western media is not covering it, itabout the darkness of bad means it may not happenbut it was happening rightgovernments, and control, now. She remembers the extreme panic, her mother not knowing if she should stay or run away, I knew thatand power, and the ability every time I went to sleep the day started in Ukraine, andto be a free citizen of a I couldnt bear the thought of me sleeping while so muchdemocratic country and was happening at home.During the first days she did not put her phone down,being able to choose your constantly texting and checking the news. Reaching her familyfuture and the future of and loved ones was difficult in those first few days. Since then,your families.she has been in contact with her mother and friends. Her mother is in the city of Zaporizhzhia, and 60% of the area is currently occupied. She works with kindergarteners, and since establishments like schools have become a place for refugees, she goes every day for long hours to help take care of people and children. Roksolana cant help but feel guilty about feeling safe in the U.S., or having thoughts about wanting to share happy moments with her family, Sometimes I wish I can share certain things, like quietly watching the sunset. But obviously I dont do it knowing that they are going through so much.economic resources, exclude them from decision-making, Roksolana is a Master of Arts student focusing on Ethnic,and expose them to many forms of violence and abuse. Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. She choseRight now, there are amazing women in Ukraine, and to become a Gator because of the quality of UF Womensthey dont deserve to go through what they are going Studies Program. What enticed her to her field of study isthrough. Women are the targets of sexual violence, which the potential for change.is used as a weapon to terrorize and destroy communities, It means a lot for her to learn, to be better prepared andI just wish that more can be done so no women had to to become someone that can advocate for womens rights.endure that, said Roksolana. I want to do more, she Gender norms restrict womens access to education andadded. CONTINUES ON PAGE 25GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT REPORT 202120225'