Imagine being an 11-year-old in Ukraine, waking up to air raid sirens, and learning from your family that you’ll be moving across the world in just one week—to a country where you don’t speak the language. For many Ukrainian families, the 2022 war forced abrupt and life-changing decisions, including fleeing their homes to seek safety in other countries. Among them is Alisa Dzyubak, a freshman at Plant High School, who shares her journey of adapting to life in Florida.
The war in Ukraine escalated in February 2022 with Russia’s full-scale invasion, following years of tensions since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. The 2022 invasion quickly engulfed the entire country, destroying cities, schools, and homes across the nation. As fighting intensified, millions of Ukrainians were forced out, becoming refugees in Europe, America and other parts of the world. They left behind loved ones, friends and whole lives in search of refuge and protection in distant lands. Some students found new homes here in Tampa, Florida, at Plant High School.
The Ukrainian Experience
Dzyubak, moved to the United States from Odessa, Ukraine. Dzyubak shared her experiences adjusting to life in America and reflected on her culture and goals. “I am from Odessa, a city near the beach,” Dzyubak said. “We eat foods like borscht, syrniki and kompot.” She added that her favorite part of Ukrainian culture is “the food and the people.”
“When I first found out I was leaving the country, it was hard because I had a lot of friends in Ukraine,” Dzyubak said. “My parents only told me a week before we left. Saying goodbye was very hard.”
Dzyubak shared that learning English was one of the biggest challenges she faced after moving. “The most challenging thing I had to conquer was the language. I learned it within two years,” she said. “Talking to people and making new friends was also hard, and I’ve noticed differences in American people, like the culture and the music.”
Dzyubak also reflected on the challenges of leaving her home country and starting over in a new place. “When I first moved, I wanted to go back to Ukraine,” Dzyubak said. “Ever since the war, it’s been harder, and now I’m scared to go back and visit. I used to visit every summer.”
Despite the challenges, Dzyubak has found things to appreciate in her new environment. “My favorite thing that I discovered here at Plant is the classes they offer,” she said. “My goal here is to hopefully find a good job and earn good money.”
Dzyubak’s journey from Ukraine to the United States reflects resilience and adaptability. As she continues to embrace her new life in America, she remains connected to her Ukrainian heritage while pursuing her future goals.
The Russian Experience
Nikita Shakhov, a freshman at Plant, moved to the United States from Moscow, Russia, in Aug. 2024. He reflects on the challenges of adapting to a new country and learning the English language. “I’m from Russia, and I lived there for 11 years,” Shakhov said.
“When I first heard that I was leaving my home, the biggest problem was leaving my friends,” Shakhov said. “The challenging thing was joining a new community and going to a new country for the first time. Speaking English was also difficult at first.”
Despite these initial difficulties, Shakhov quickly adapted to the situation. “I learned English within two months at a school in Georgia,” he said.
While the war has affected many in Russia, Shakhov shared that he felt safe living in Russia. “The war didn’t necessarily affect me. I was in Moscow, so it was safe there,” Shakhov said.
Joining a new community was a challenge for Shakhov, but he embraced the opportunity to adapt. At Plant, he joined the school’s varsity football team, which helped him build connections with his peers and feel at home in a new environment.
Conclusion
Shakhov’s journey from Moscow to the United States highlights the challenges and triumphs of starting over in a new country. Despite the initial struggles, his ability to learn English quickly and adapt to a new community demonstrates his resilience.
Plant High School has become a home for students like Dzyubak and Shakhov, who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the school community. Despite their countries’ roles in the ongoing war, both students faced similar challenges—leaving their homes, saying their hardest goodbyes, learning a new language and starting over in a new country. Their resilience and determination serve as a poignant reminder of the strength required to build a new life while remaining connected to one’s roots.