“I Managed to overcome my fear of people”: interview with Taisia

This summer, the educational intensive “I Did It!” became a place where teenagers found friends, self-confidence, and new meaning. Among them was 13-year-old Taisia, who moved from her hometown of Donetsk to Kyiv back in 2014.

In her free time, Taisia enjoys playing the guitar and drawing: “Creativity helps me distract myself from everything happening around and just relax.”

Yet, despite her love for music and art, the biggest discovery of this summer was the “I Did It!” intensive. She learned about it on social media, showed it to her parents, and they immediately registered her.

“The first day was hard for me — I felt anxious because I didn’t know anyone. In general, I have difficulties communicating and making new friends,” — Taisia admits.

After the team selection, she joined the group “Sustainable Fashion” — and quickly realized it was exactly where she belonged.

“At first, I wanted to join the ‘Cultural Code of Ukraine’ project, but I’m glad I stayed here. I met so many new people!”

Their mentor was Olia Limarenko, a designer and founder of Ukraine’s first Sustainable House.

“Our mentor was amazing. I really enjoyed working with her,” — says Taisia.

Together, the team explored the topic of clothing recycling:

“I think this project was very important because we could show others why sustainable fashion matters.”

After this experience, Taisia began to see the fashion industry differently:

“Now I don’t want to buy things I don’t really need. I like second-hand or recycled clothes. If I see something made from reused materials that I love — I’ll definitely buy it.”

During their project, the team created pet beds, toys, and post-surgery clothing for animals using leftover fabric:

“I really enjoyed making something with my own hands. Our project helped me realize how small actions can make a big difference — how what we do affects people, animals, and the world around us.”

Another meaningful part was working with psychologist Dasha on the “Success Roadmap”:

“Sometimes I feel like I’m lacking motivation or inspiration. After the intensive, I understood how to take better care of my energy and inner resources.”

The camp’s highlight was the presentation of social projects. Despite the nerves, Taisia had been waiting for that moment:

“I cried when I received my diploma. I didn’t want the intensive to end — it was such a great experience, and I spent every day surrounded by friends.”

Even though the program is over, the friendships and sense of support remain:

“We already agreed to go together to some classes at the Place of Power in September.”

These few weeks gave Taisia one of the most valuable experiences of her life.

“The intensive helped me become more open to new people. I’d even say it improved my self-esteem because I realized that my communication problems weren’t about me — they were about the people I tried to connect with. After the intensive, I managed to overcome my fear of people and make many new friends.”