When Russia invaded Ukraine in the winter of 2022, Diana Samchuk was just entering the world of higher education. She had been a standout student in her early education, but suddenly her path forward became less clear.
“As tensions escalated and lives were at stake, I began to question if continuing my education in the Ukrainian system was feasible,” Samchuk says.
Ultimately, Samchuk, who is now a second-year Honors student majoring in Graphic Design at Mercer, had to leave Ukraine due to severe attacks in her hometown, Kyiv. She and her mother left everything behind and fled to the United States.
Uncertain about her future, Samchuk enrolled at Mercer County Community College and, with help from her uncle Oleksiy Godovanyy, who hosted her upon her arrival, she applied for two part-time jobs to cover living expenses. After only a year at Mercer, she achieved a 4.0 GPA, earning her a spot on the President’s List in fall of 2023.
When asked how she was able to stay focused on academics amidst such big changes, Samchuk says, “Consistency and time management became my routine. This kept me motivated even during challenging times.” She adds, “From day to day, I make a conscious effort to attend every class, complete assignments on time, and actively participate in discussions because I want my future to be in the best possible shape and I know that my academics will have an impact on that.”
Samchuk’s hard work was also noticed by her professors. Advertising and Graphic Design professor Tina LaPlaca says, “Diana is definitely one of my top students. She is an incredibly hard worker who goes above and beyond for assignments.”
“She is also a friendly, delightful young lady who participates regularly in class,” she added.
Although her dedication as a student remained consistent, Diana had to adjust to a new lifestyle in America that was very different from her previous one.
Samchuk says, “Adapting to a different country has been challenging, but my studies have provided a much-needed distraction and have helped me settle into this new environment.”
Samchuk’s uncle, Godovanyy, says he witnessed her adaptation to her new environment.
Godovanyy says, “When Diana got to the U.S., she was already independent, smart, and a quick thinker with good english.” Godovanyy continues, “In her mind, adjusting might have been challenging, but during my 20 years in the U.S., I have dealt with a lot of new immigrants, and she did well compared to the others.”
As an Honors student known for her positive attitude, she attributes her academic success to her optimistic view of life.
Samchuk says, “Balancing academics and work can be challenging. However, it has taught me time management skills and instilled a strong work ethic in me.” Samchuk continues, “Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, I saw them as opportunities for growth and improvement. This perspective allowed me to learn from my mistakes rather than dwell on them.”
Samchuck’s mom, Svitlana Samchuk, says her daughter, who attended Financial Lyceum, a secondary school in Ukraine, has always been an exceptional student.
“She took her education seriously from the kindergarten level and was among the top students in her class. She finished Financial Lyceum having the best grades and received a gold medal.” Svitlana says.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Samchuk’s mother says that Diana has a passion for painting that she has pursued since she was four years old. She recalls her making 5 to 10 paintings a day from the time she learned to hold a pencil.
This passion hasn’t left her, as she continues to create art here at Mercer.
Professor LaPlaca says, “She surprised me in typography class by designing a contemporary Jazz album cover influenced by Paul Rand.”
Professor LaPlaca continues, “The piece was stunning. Even more surprising to me was how much background information she knew about the history of Jazz music.”
Similarly inspired by Samchuck’s works is Camila Villavizar-Gomez, a sophomore majoring in Liberal Arts, who emigrated from Lima, Peru at the same time Samchuk left Ukraine.
Villavizar-Gomez says, “She doesn’t work hard for reward or recognition but simply for her own satisfaction, and I admire her for that.”
Villavizar-Gomez continues, “A lot of people hope or expect something in return, but not her. She has inspired me to do stuff for the sake of doing it.”
Juan Carlitos Gonzalez, Samchuk’s close friend and coworker at her part-time job as an ice cream store manager, says, “Diana is a hardworking woman. It surprises me that she never complains about life or work. She is very valuable to the company and always leads her team to victory on a slow or busy season.”
When asked if the term refugee applies to her, Samchuk says, “Yes, I am a refugee. Everyone who left the war-torn country in search of safety is a refugee.”
Even though she embraces her experiences, the dire circumstances that brought Samchuk to America are still very much a part of her life.
She continues, “But regardless of how my mother and I – as well as thousands of Ukrainians who came to the United States – are labeled and categorized, what matters most is our shared experience as individuals seeking that second most essential need in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Safety and security.”
When asked if she feels things are shifting in Ukraine with more focus now on Israel and Gaza, Samchuk says, “While some might argue that the focus on the Israel-Hamas war is diverting attention away from Ukraine, I believe it is merely a reflection of people’s general indifference and willingness to shift their focus elsewhere.”
She says she is disturbed by the tragedy but takes comfort in knowing that Americans still support Ukraine.
Samchuk says, “I often catch glimpses of the vibrant blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag tied to trees, bumper stickers displayed on cars, or the flags close to someone’s home.”
She continues, “They serve as a reminder that those who truly care will continue to monitor news from both Ukraine and Gaza because they acknowledge that every war requires attention and support.”
Samchuk envisions a bright future for herself and hopes to be among the small group of students who have managed to transfer from MCCC to Princeton University to further her education.
But she doesn’t see transfer to a top university as the most significant marker of success.
She says, “Success should not be solely measured by personal achievements but by one’s ability to contribute positively to the world around them.”
