Last year was tough, and yet amazing.

Despite everything, I taught Ukrainian to people from all over the world almost every day. I left Kyiv for my small hometown in the Khmelnytskyi region. In autumn, I travelled abroad more than ever before to spread awareness about Ukraine to a “cold audience.” I met many soulmates and just as many “neutral” people who challenged my skills in sharing Ukraine’s story.

Meanwhile, my students waited for me. I was afraid of losing their loyalty during my personal hard times. I thought I could combine educational projects with vacation, but it just left me exhausted. I worried my students would leave and I would lose my stability—but most of them stayed. Thank you 💙💛

Next year, I hope to rest more, without shame. It’s okay to need more rest. And, the main gift I learned from 2025 and want to carry into 2026: bravery to share vulnerability. (Still about to learn where the oversharing starts).