“My country is facing enormous challenges due to the war,” says Mariia Dzholos ’24. “I’m shaping my education inside and outside the classroom to foster Ukraine’s recovery and success in a postwar period.”

Mariia and her family fled Donetsk, Ukraine, for Kyiv when Russia invaded the country in 2014. She completed her high school education with a scholarship to United World College in Changshu, China, one of 18 high schools worldwide with the shared aim of “making education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.” Mariia’s high school experience living and learning in a diverse, multicultural community led her to Middlebury.

“I was drawn to Middlebury for its size and international student community,” says Mariia. “From the very first moment, I felt welcomed and supported. Over the course of four years, I have built strong connections with my professors, peers, and College staff members. This level of personal interaction and engagement would have been challenging to achieve at a larger institution.”

At Middlebury, Mariia is majoring in economics. With other Ukrainian students on campus, she has organized events to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine and provide support for its people. A summer spent at Middlebury’s Peacebuilding Program—a rigorous six-week program designed to bridge the theory and practice of building peace in societies that are emerging from conflict, violence, or war—provided a new perspective on global conflicts.

“Since early childhood, I was taught that conflicts are bad, as they generate tension, anxiety, discomfort, and pain,” says Mariia. “I left the Middlebury program believing conflict can be good—bringing attention to issues previously ignored, fostering conversation, and creating catalysts for positive change.”

Now in her senior year at Middlebury, Mariia continues to focus on her degree and economics as a pathway to Ukraine’s future. “Rebuilding Ukraine will necessitate significant innovation and creative thinking,” says Mariia. “My experience at Middlebury has equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to actively engage in the planning and execution of these initiatives. Ultimately, the direction of my involvement will be guided by the needs of the state. To me, it’s not about personal aspirations but rather about contributing where my efforts can be most impactful to meet the pressing needs of my nation.”