I am a Ukrainian orphan. I spent the first three years of my life in an orphanage in Simferopol, Ukraine. I was born with a birth defect and my biological parents could not care for me. I was adopted by a U.S. citizen just before turning three years of age and have lived in Florida since then. During the first invasion by Putin, I watched as my birthplace was invaded, the orphanages closed, and the area annexed to Russia. Up to that point, my biological grandmother, who still lived in Simferopol, contacted me once a year on my birthday. Although it used most of her monthly pension, she would send me a present and a card. This connection, which started when I was still in the orphanage, was important. She would bring me food in the orphanage as my diet there was very poor. Around the time of the invasion, I lost contact with her. After initial contact within one day of the invasion, initiated by us with someone who knew the family, it became clear that their email was being scrutinized and that we could be putting them in danger. Around my 18th birthday, an aunt, who spoke and wrote English, contacted my mother to let us know that my biological father had died and that the family was interested in contact. The aunt was going to serve as translator. Before any of this could happen, the war started and Kyiv was bombed, in particular the university where this person taught. We have heard nothing since. At this time, I have no knowledge of where anyone is or even if they are still alive. For most people in the U.S., this whole experience is completely foreign to them. My degree is not a traditional STEM degree as one would think of it. I am pursuing becoming an Intelligence Analyst. This field uses a variety of information and databases to solve problems. Using technology to gather, analyze, and decipher information to protect the United States from attack is the job of all who pursue intelligence careers. I am interested in this field because it combines a knack for computers and information systems with the gratification that comes from adding to the greater good. I am unable because of my birth defect to be in front-line law enforcement or the military, but this field is a nice blend of "doing good" using skills that I have or am developing.