Anastasia Yerdakii 16, female from Donetsk

My name is Anastasia Yerdakii. I am 16 years old and I study in the 10th grade. I live with my mom Ira and my little sister Mia, who is 2 years old. My mom works as a hairdresser in a salon.

In 2014, we moved from Donetsk city to a small village called Andriivka in Donetsk region. Unfortunately, in 2022 we had to move again to the city of Dnipro because heavy fighting started in our village and it was impossible to stay there. It was very hard for me to leave my home — the place where I grew up, studied, lived, and had my best friends. It was very difficult to start a new life, change schools, meet new people, and get used to a new place.

Now my hobbies are dancing, singing, theater, and sometimes writing poems. I am a creative person. I always took part in creative competitions and I have many awards.

I started learning English a long time ago. My dream is to visit America, to see a different life, how American teenagers live and grow, and of course to improve my English. I really want to see America because I think it is a great country with many opportunities.

Today, rest and peace are very important for teenagers. We need time away from war, because when you hear missile explosions every day, it affects your mind and mental health very much. That’s why having a safe place and a chance to relax is very important for us.

I would be very happy and thankful if you consider my application.