My heritage is a story of resilience, survival, and unwavering perseverance. My mother emigrated from Ukraine to the United States for college, seeking education and opportunities for a better future. Every summer, I traveled with her to Poltava, where I spent time with my grandmother and listened to her stories of surviving World War II. Her father, my great-grandfather, worked at the railway station in Grebinka, an essential train hub, and played a critical role in evacuating people during the war. While he continued to drive trains amid relentless bombings, my great-grandmother and grandmother were rescued by neighbors as the German forces advanced through Zheremenka. They were pushed onto a passing train, escaping the same fate that tragically befell many members of my family, who were sent to Zherminskii Yar, a Nazi massacre site. Because of that courageous act, I am here today, carrying their legacy forward.
On February 24, 2022, as the Ukraine crisis unfolded, I experienced an overwhelming sense of historical repetition. The fear, uncertainty, and loss my grandmother endured decades ago now echoed in the stories of Ukrainians fleeing for their lives. My family’s history instilled in me an enduring commitment to social justice, community support, and cultural preservation. As a Jewish individual, I have embraced my heritage and continue to educate myself on the intersections of faith, ethnicity, and justice.
This commitment has guided me in my journey as a student doctor at Emory University School of Medicine. Growing up in a family where financial stability was never guaranteed, I understood the weight of socioeconomic adversity from an early age. As the first in my family to pursue medicine, I have navigated financial constraints while balancing my education and supporting my family. These struggles have given me a profound empathy for those facing similar challenges and a deep motivation to advocate for equitable healthcare access.
At Emory, I serve as the president of the Jewish Medical Student Organization (JMSA). In this role, I launched the "JMed" mentorship program, designed to support Jewish medical students and connect them with Jewish Emory physicians. Beyond professional networking, this program provides guidance for students from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring they receive support in both their academic and personal journeys. My advocacy also extends to curriculum reform—after a professor made insensitive remarks about Ashkenazi Jewish genetic conditions, I addressed the class on the history of persecution and its genetic consequences, then collaborated with faculty to revise the curriculum. Additionally, I successfully petitioned for flexible accommodations when quizzes were scheduled on Yom Kippur, ensuring that Jewish students could observe their traditions without academic penalties.
My lived experiences have reinforced my dedication to fighting healthcare disparities, particularly for economically disadvantaged patients. I believe that medical success should not be determined by financial privilege but by passion, dedication, and skill. As a future physician, I will continue advocating for my patients, ensuring that no one is denied quality care due to socioeconomic barriers. Through mentorship, policy work, and community-building, I aim to foster an inclusive and compassionate healthcare environment where all individuals—regardless of background—can thrive.
Growing up in a family with Ukrainian Jewish roots has profoundly shaped my journey towards becoming a psychologist. My heritage is not merely a part of my identity; it is the cornerstone of my motivation, influencing my career aspirations, values, and desire to create positive change in the world.
My family's history is etched with stories of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. We are descendants of immigrants who fled Ukraine during the pogroms, seeking refuge and opportunity in the United States. Their decision to leave behind everything they knew, including their homeland and loved ones, reflects the profound impact of persecution and discrimination on their lives.
One poignant tale from my family's past involves my grandfather's dream of becoming a doctor. Despite his passion and determination, he was denied entry to medical school simply because he was Jewish. This unjust barrier shattered his aspirations and highlighted the pervasive discrimination faced by the Jewish community in Ukraine. His experience serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic injustices that have plagued generations of Jewish individuals.
The hardships my family endured did not end with immigration; they persisted in our new home. Antisemitism and socioeconomic challenges cast a shadow over our daily lives, shaping our experiences and opportunities. As a result, my family faced economic hardships, struggling to make ends meet and provide for our basic needs. Witnessing my parents navigate these difficulties with grace and resilience instilled in me a deep sense of determination and resilience.
These experiences have fueled my passion for psychology and my commitment to creating a better future for myself and those around me. I am driven by a desire to understand the complexities of human behavior, particularly in the context of adversity and trauma. My heritage serves as a constant reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and social justice in my work.
Moreover, my family's journey has imbued me with a strong sense of responsibility to uplift and support others, particularly those who have faced similar challenges. I am acutely aware of the profound impact that access to mental health resources can have on individuals and communities, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. My goal is to leverage my education and training in psychology to break down barriers to mental health care and empower individuals to overcome adversity and thrive.
As I embark on my doctoral journey in psychology, I am guided by the lessons of my heritage and the values instilled in me by my family. I am driven not only by personal ambition but also by a deep-seated commitment to social justice and equity. My ultimate aspiration is to honor my family's legacy by making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and contributing to a more compassionate and inclusive society.
