From Ukraine to Notre Dame and Back Again: How a Multicultural Global Awareness Program Shaped My Journey Home
Life has a way of steering us down paths we never imagined, revealing unexpected lessons and opportunities along the way. For me, this journey began far from home, in the vibrant classrooms and historic halls of the University of Notre Dame. It led me through a transformative experience with a Multicultural Global Awareness (MGA) program—an experience that ultimately shaped my understanding of identity, purpose, and belonging. Most importantly, it helped guide me back to my homeland, Ukraine, where I found a renewed sense of mission and hope amid challenges that define my generation.
Growing up in Ukraine, my world was framed by the rhythms of everyday life in a country balancing its rich history with the realities of modern transformation. My family’s stories echoed with the resilience of our people, the pride in our language, and the deep cultural traditions that connect us. But like many young Ukrainians, I was eager to explore beyond borders, to see what the wider world held in store. The opportunity to study abroad at Notre Dame was a dream come true—a chance to experience a new culture, gain knowledge, and grow both personally and academically.
Arriving at Notre Dame was a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. The campus was beautiful and alive with tradition, but I was far from the familiar comforts of home. It was in this moment that the MGA program became a lifeline. Designed to cultivate cultural sensitivity, global citizenship, and intercultural dialogue, MGA was more than just an academic initiative; it was a community of students and faculty committed to understanding each other’s stories and learning from diverse perspectives.
Through MGA, I encountered peers from all corners of the globe, each bringing their own unique narratives and worldviews. Our conversations ranged from politics to philosophy, from everyday challenges to hopes for the future. The program’s emphasis on active listening and empathy challenged me to reflect critically on my own identity—not just as a Ukrainian, but as a global citizen. It pushed me to confront the stereotypes I had unknowingly internalized and to question the assumptions I held about others.
This process of self-discovery was transformative. I began to appreciate how my cultural heritage was both a source of pride and a lens through which I viewed the world. More importantly, I realized that my experiences abroad did not distance me from Ukraine; instead, they deepened my connection to it. I started to see my homeland through new eyes—aware of its complexities and potentials, aware of the struggles faced by my people, but also inspired by the strength and resilience that defined them.
Academically, MGA encouraged interdisciplinary approaches, blending political science, history, and ethics with real-world application. This broadened my understanding of global issues and equipped me with analytical tools that would later prove crucial. I engaged in projects that examined migration, cultural diplomacy, and conflict resolution—topics deeply relevant to the ongoing realities in Eastern Europe. These academic pursuits were not abstract theories; they resonated with my personal story and fueled my desire to contribute meaningfully to Ukraine’s future.
Beyond the classroom, the relationships I forged during my time in the MGA program were invaluable. Professors mentored me not only academically but also personally, challenging me to harness my experiences and knowledge for positive change. Fellow students became allies in dialogue, sharing insights and encouraging me to maintain a global perspective even as I contemplated returning home. These connections created a support network that bridged continents, reminding me that I was part of a larger, interconnected community.
As my studies progressed, events back in Ukraine increasingly tugged at my heart. Political tensions, economic challenges, and social movements unfolded with urgency and intensity. The sense of distance I felt while abroad was replaced by a growing responsibility to be part of the solution. I realized that my education and experiences at Notre Dame, particularly through the MGA program, had uniquely prepared me to engage with these challenges—not just as an observer but as an active participant in shaping my country’s path forward.
Returning to Ukraine was both a joyful homecoming and a daunting step into complexity. The lessons learned in MGA guided me as I navigated the realities on the ground. I joined organizations focused on civic engagement, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment. The skills I gained in cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving became tools for fostering dialogue and building bridges within my community. My global outlook helped me frame local issues within broader contexts, facilitating partnerships that brought fresh ideas and resources to Ukrainian initiatives.
One of the most profound impacts of my MGA experience was the emphasis on storytelling as a means of connection. I used this approach to document the voices of young Ukrainians—those often unheard amidst the headlines and political rhetoric. By sharing their stories through digital media and public forums, I helped create spaces where empathy and understanding could grow, both within Ukraine and internationally. This work was a direct extension of the values instilled by the MGA program: respect for diversity, commitment to dialogue, and belief in the power of shared human experience.
The journey from Ukraine to Notre Dame and back again was not without its challenges. Cultural reintegration after years abroad tested my patience and adaptability. I grappled with frustrations over slow institutional reforms and social divisions. Yet, the resilience I cultivated through MGA and my academic training kept me grounded and motivated. I learned to embrace imperfection, to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, and to remain hopeful in the face of uncertainty.
Looking back, I see how the MGA program was a pivotal force in shaping my identity and purpose. It bridged the gap between two worlds—my homeland and the global community—and equipped me with the tools to navigate both. It taught me that true cultural awareness goes beyond surface-level understanding; it requires humility, curiosity, and an active commitment to building connections. Most importantly, it revealed that our stories, no matter how distant or different, are threads woven into a shared human fabric.
Today, as I work alongside fellow Ukrainians to foster peace, education, and cultural exchange, I carry the lessons of MGA with me. The program was not just a chapter in my life but a foundation upon which I continue to build. It reminded me that the journey home is not merely a physical return but an ongoing process of reconnection, redefinition, and renewal.
In a world often divided by borders and differences, the experience of moving between Ukraine and Notre Dame taught me that our greatest strength lies in understanding each other’s stories. It is through this shared humanity that we find hope, resilience, and the possibility for a better future. For me, the MGA program was the compass that pointed the way—back home and forward, toward a life dedicated to bridging worlds and making a difference where it matters most.
