Age: 18
City / Region: Bibrka, Lviv Oblast
Current Location: Lviv

Start at Svitlo: May 2024

Responsibilities at Svitlo:

• Co-instructor of the “Film Studies” course: I co-teach the course with Svitlo instructor MJ Krogman. I lead discussions on various films, prepare information about selected movies (cast, awards, interesting facts, behind-the-scenes insights, etc.), and create questions and quizzes for the lessons.
• Mentor for Monday session prefects: I support the Monday session prefects at Svitlo, help them correctly fill in tables, and provide feedback on their work at the end of the semester.
• Member of the Head Prefects’ team: I am part of the team coordinating the work of prefects. I am responsible for tracking all information about the prefects, creating tables, and keeping them up to date.
• Buddy for new Svitlo students: I help new students adapt to the school environment, understand internal processes, and feel part of the community, acting as a support and friend.
• Reading buddy for the younger group: I conduct reading sessions for younger students, helping them improve their English skills and build confidence.
• Co-instructor of the “Mafia” club: Together with Alina Kyryulo, I co-teach the “Mafia” club, organizing and running games for both younger and older groups every Friday evening.
• Participant in the “Svitlo Speaks” project: I take part in a new Svitlo initiative where students share their thoughts on different topics by recording short videos for the school’s Instagram page.

Future Plans:

‍My childhood dream has always been to become a film director. I am determined to build a career in cinema. My near-term goals include obtaining a driver’s license, starting my own YouTube channel in English, improving my acting skills (I participate in the student theater at university), and learning as much as possible about filmmaking. Currently, I am studying “Cultural Studies” at the Ukrainian Catholic University. I hope to gain deep knowledge of culture and art and become a person capable of creating positive change. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I plan to attend a film school abroad to further develop my directing skills and move closer to my dream. I want to influence the world through film and tell stories that matter.

Self-description in one sentence:

‍Sincere and emotional, I try to live life to the fullest and make the world a better place.

Impact of Svitlo:

‍Svitlo means everything to me. It is the warmest place in the world—even if it is not physical, because it exists everywhere. Svitlo is about people, unity, and friendship. Over time, Svitlo has become like family to me. Thanks to this school, I know that no matter where I am—in Ukraine or abroad—there will always be someone from Svitlo who is happy to see me. Svitlo helps us stay united and strong in the face of the challenges of this harsh world. I love Svitlo with all my heart and cannot imagine my life without it. Being at Svitlo means being part of something unique, full of love, hope, big dreams, and ideas. Here, I know that my voice is heard and my ideas are supported. Svitlo allows us to implement our ideas and share our thoughts. Thank you, Svitlo, for being part of my life.

Scholarships / Opportunities:

• International House London — August 2025
• Alumni Camp — August 2025

Solomiia on Social Media:

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