Making a difference often means finding ways to bring support, hope and real change to people in need. During the war on my homeland, in Ukraine, I found myself faced with an opportunity to make a difference. I knew I could not just stand by and watch.

We woke up from explosion early in the morning. Started to watch news with my parents and little brother, called to all of our relatives to make sure they are alright. We did not know what to do. Our first going to bomb shelter was terrifying, I realized-this is war, this is happening to me, my family, to all people from my country. First week we spend home, after three days I finally looked out the window, looking at the empty streets I noticed something, it was a red mark which meant that there was planned shelling. Immediately telling my father about it, we quickly went outside to clean it up. I helped, it gave me motivation to move on.

After some time we realized that we can’t just stand by, many people started helping people who left their home. I started volunteering. The first two weeks I was collecting warm clothes, wove a camouflage net, helped other volunteers collect food, medicine and other staff. Many animals who left without owners were brought from the occupied territories, I was assigned to look after several dogs.

I enjoyed volunteering. The mere thought that I was helping people made me happy. Based on this, I learned that making a difference often comes from simple yet heartfelt actions. It’s about reaching out with compassion, addressing immediate needs, and giving people the means to shape their futures. In helping others, I discovered the power of small steps to create a meaningful change, even in the darkest times.