ESOL student Anastasiia Makogon has been recognised at our annual Further Education Awards as the 2023 winner of the Community & International Students studying in the UK Award.
Anastasiia, known as Nastya is originally from Bakhmut, Ukraine. Nastya's life took a drastic turn when the city faced systematic destruction due to Russian bombing starting in February 2022.
Nastya vividly recalls her former life, “We lived in a house with a big garden. We had many fruit trees, grapes, raspberries, and more. Everything that the garden gave was natural and very tasty.” Life was comfortable and well-established, with a loving family, her role as the manager of an online jewelry store, and a myriad of interests, from sports to creative pursuits. Her daughter, Yeva, attended music school, and Nastya maintained her fitness routine at the gym.
On March 11, 2022, Nastya, her daughter, and her mother embarked on a harrowing journey, travelling to Western Ukraine, where they found refuge with a compassionate family in a village. While this provided a measure of security, ongoing conflict and restrictions made it clear that their best option was to look for a safer place to rebuild their lives.
Their path led them to Skellingthorpe, Lincoln, in the United Kingdom through the “Homes for Ukrainians” programme. The journey from Warsaw, Poland, to the UK was arduous, involving a 22-hour coach ride. Nastya's daughter's health added to the challenges they faced. Her mother, sisters, nephews, aunt, and grandmother remained in Ukraine. Nastya's father continued to serve at a military hospital near the front lines.
Life in the UK was a stark contrast to their previous existence, marked by uncertainty and the necessity to adapt to a new environment. As Nastya reflects on her journey, she shares, “Everything important and precious has been taken from you.”
Nastya has shown great resilience throughout life-changing circumstances and facing a multitude of adjustments, including adapting to new languages, laws, and work. She has been studying ESOL at Lincoln College, finding solace in the support of her fellow Ukrainian students. The support of Ukrainian friends in the UK has been a source of comfort. Sharing a common language allows them to express their feelings and experiences more easily, forging bonds with others who navigate similar stages in life.
Sean Knight, Assistant Principal at Lincoln College, said: “This is a special moment for us to come together and celebrate the incredible stories of our resilient students. The dedication shown by Ukrainian students in the face of adversity is truly amazing, we are honoured to stand by their side, supporting their educational journey as they forge a new path in life.”
Nastya remains grateful for the opportunity to study in the UK, where her love for learning has become a lifeline. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to study here. I have always loved studying, and now it is vital. I appreciate the life experience that living in the UK gives me,” she says.
If you or someone you know is interested in developing language skills, you can find out more about our ESOL Skills for Life Speaking and Listening Level 1 online here. Alternatively, you can E-mail ESOL@lincolncollege.ac.uk or call the Digital Engagement Team on 01522 876254
