Valentina Tsybulnyk

Valentina Tsybulnyk is 73 years old. She was born in the village of Oleksandrivka in Donetsk region, near Maryinka. She describes herself as a quiet and calm person. In the shelter, she tries not to be a burden to anyone — she believes that other residents need more attention.

Ms. Valentina shares that work has always been the main focus of her life. She started her career as an accountant in the social welfare service. Later, she moved to the Maryinka city executive committee, where she worked as the chief accountant. After that, she spent many years working at the mine, holding various positions.

Since childhood, the woman has kept only a few memories. Like most children of her generation, the greatest pastime was playing with friends outside.

In her youth, she dreamed of becoming a French language teacher, but life took a different turn.

“I was walking in despair when I saw an announcement about accounting courses, and I decided to give it a try,” recalls Ms. Valentina. Soon, her colleagues noticed her talent for the job and said that she was a “born accountant.”

Maryinka, where Ms. Valentina lived for a long time, was once a cozy town in Donetsk region before the war. She recalls with warmth the streets lined with chestnut trees, the numerous flowerbeds, and parks. She realizes that, due to the destruction caused by the war, returning home has become impossible. Oleksandrivka, the village where Ms. Valentina was born, is nearby — small, yet picturesque.

In the shelter, Ms. Valentina appreciates the attitude of the staff, and the residents regularly attend sessions with a psychologist. At first, she attended the sessions without much enthusiasm, but now she finds them interesting.

“During the sessions, we discuss various topics and engage in creative activities: we make collages, paint. I never had time for such activities before, but now I happily participate in all the activities, as they help me to distract myself,” says the woman.

 The greatest happiness for Ms. Valentina is her two granddaughters. One is studying in her fourth year at university, while the other has just graduated from high school and dreams of becoming a doctor

“I just want them to be happy,” says the grandmother.

Despite all the trials life has thrown her way, the woman maintains her optimism.

“One must live,” she says, and in these simple words lies the life philosophy of a strong Ukrainian woman who never gives up, even in the toughest times.