From Mariupol to Kyiv: interview with a “I Did It!” participant Sofiia

Sofiia is 15 years old and originally from Mariupol. The past few years have been a true test of strength for her.

“When the full-scale invasion began, I spent three and a half years living in Poland. But, as they say, there’s no place like home,” Sofiia smiles.

In Poland, she made friends she still keeps in touch with. But this year, she decided to return to Kyiv — she entered a music college and discovered the Place of Power.

“I signed up for a creative workshop and really liked it. I immediately made friends with the girls there. Then I thought: why not come more often?” Sofiia recalls.

That’s how her summer began — with workshops, discussion clubs, training sessions, and eventually, participation in the educational intensive “I Did It!”

And alongside new acquaintances and discoveries, her biggest passion remained — music.

“In my free time, I play the drums and write songs. In the future, I want to become a famous musician.”

Music accompanied her even during the camp, as one of the team projects started with her own poem.

The first day of the intensive was full of new encounters — both familiar faces and unexpected guests.

“When Tonya Matvienko came to meet us, I was shocked! It was such an incredible opportunity to talk, ask questions, and hear advice from real stars. As an aspiring musician, I dream about moments like that,” says Sofiia.

Another unforgettable moment was an impromptu performance with musician Ivan Liulenov:

“We played together — he was on the guitar, and I played ‘drums’ made from whatever we had at hand. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

During the team draw, Sofiia got the theme “The Cultural Code of Ukraine.” At first, she wanted a different direction, but this group turned out to be exactly what she needed.

“We decided to make our project creative — we painted, sang, and made music. It all started with my poem about summer rain. It was hard to agree at first, but we managed — and our performance became the highlight of the evening!” she recalls.

She especially remembers the field trip to the Pirohiv Museum — the dancing, the tour, Shevchenko’s house, and the feeling of being connected to Ukrainian culture.

Another bright memory was meeting her mentor Bohdana, who plays the bandura:

“It’s such an interesting instrument! I was fascinated to see it up close,” Sofiia says.

An important part of the intensive was also the “Success Roadmap.”

“It helped me answer questions I had been ignoring. And psychologist Dasha gave us an exercise to identify our true friends — that was very helpful.”

Five days of the intensive flew by. Sofiia received her diploma, applause, and warm wishes for her musical journey ahead.

“I was shocked by how many people were clapping for me! It was a little sad to say goodbye, but those days gave me new friends and confidence in myself.”

Now, Sofiia sums up her experience with a smile:

“The intensive showed me that I shouldn’t doubt myself. I learned to communicate more, found new friends, and realized that, truly — I did it!”