From War to Hope: Ukrainian Student Finds New Beginning Through Mount St. Joseph University Scholarship
Amid war and upheaval, the story of one young Ukrainian student, Olena Holub, stands as a testament to the power of education and the transformative impact of scholarships. A junior at Mount St. Joseph University, Olena found herself at a crossroads when conflict erupted in her homeland of Ukraine. Forced to flee with her family to Poland, she faced the harsh realities of displacement, fear, and an uncertain future.
For Olena, pursuing higher education had always been a cherished dream, but as her family’s lives were uprooted and financial struggles mounted, that dream seemed to slip further from reach.
Then, a lifeline appeared: Mount St. Joseph University extended an offer that would change her destiny. With a scholarship to cover her tuition, Olena could finally pursue her passion for computer science through the University’s renowned cITe program. "Without the scholarship, I could never have come here. It was a blessing when everything else felt so uncertain," Olena reflects.
The scholarship didn’t just provide financial assistance; it gave Olena a renewed sense of security and hope amid overwhelming adversity. Transitioning to life in the U.S. wasn’t without its challenges—adapting to a new culture and being far from her war-torn homeland, her parents, and her little brother, whom she hasn't been able to see in person or via FaceTime for years.
Despite these hurdles, Olena has flourished at Mount St. Joseph University. The scholarship opened doors she once thought closed—she's emerged as a leader on campus as Chair of the Campus Activities Board, participated in groundbreaking projects within the cITe program, and presented research at international conferences. Her passion for artificial intelligence and data science has deepened, and she now dreams of using her knowledge to develop technologies that offer opportunities to all people.
Throughout it all, Olena’s journey has been a testament to the power of community support. Her professors and peers have been her steadfast supporters. “I’ve found a community here that believes in me and wants me to succeed,” Olena shares. The scholarship not only covers her tuition but also gives her the peace of mind to focus on her studies rather than the heavy financial burden that so many students face.
Olena’s journey is a powerful reminder of how scholarships can be lifelines for students fleeing conflict. Thanks to the support of Mount St. Joseph University’s scholarship program, Olena’s life is no longer defined by war but by hope, ambition, and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the world.