My journey to Edmonton began in September 2021 when I came to MacEwan as an international student, just a few months before the full-scale invasion started in Ukraine. My plan was to study psychology – I never intended to do research, and I never imagined that research would be in anthropology – but I have grown so much throughout my time gathering the life histories of Ukrainian newcomers.

Since last February, I’ve worked as a research assistant with Dr. Jennifer Long on a collaborative project with MacEwan’s Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre and the Free Store for Ukrainian Newcomers. I’ve moderated focus groups, helped host two PhotoVoice workshops and conducted life history interviews with 15 Ukrainian newcomers. Now, we’re sharing a timeline that highlights significant moments and collective memories from those interviews with an interactive exhibit in the Library during Ukraine Week. We hope the MacEwan community will contribute their experiences of immigration and resettlement.   

Through this research experience, I have grown so much. I’ve learned about my own culture, strengthened my connection to the Ukrainian community in Edmonton, and seen the impact of collective efforts and how local actions can resonate on a global scale. 

My personal connection to this research has made this experience even more valuable. Studying something I care about and being able to empathize with the people in this work has made the experience so much brighter. That’s why I’m passionate about encouraging other students to get involved in research that makes a real difference.

– Sofia Budianska, Research Assistant and Bachelor of Arts, Psychology student