🇪🇺 TEEN European Digital Community: Rainbow Eucalyptus from Cherkasy, Ukraine

Rainbow Eucalyptus

My name is Viktoriia Yaroshenko, I am 15 years old, and I come from Cherkasy, Ukraine. I am an active student and a dedicated leader, serving as the Deputy Head of our senior student council. I’m involved in school and community life and always try to contribute in meaningful ways. I am a high-achieving student and have won multiple academic olympiads across different subjects. Beyond academics, I am passionate about dance and have received recognition at national and all-Ukrainian choreography competitions. I am active, curious, and always eager to grow, explore new opportunities, and make a positive impact.

The soil / the need

I don’t remember my very first theatre visit exactly, but I remember noticing that some performances had very limited resources and were not always visually impressive — and still, I loved them. I kept going to the theatre, and over time actors became almost like mythical figures to me: incredibly talented, inspiring, and deeply attractive in their ability to transform emotion into art.

The first seed

A parent / family.

Tell us about that first spark

The moment theatre became truly important happened one evening in childhood. I had already been going to the theatre for years, but that night I was especially struck by a young actor whose emotions felt so real and powerful that I couldn’t look away. One moment I wanted to cry because of the sadness in his voice, and the next I was laughing because of his energy and charm. That was when I understood how powerful theatre can be — how it can make you feel everything at once.

Roots (people & experiences that shaped your path)

The most important things in my theatre journey have been the people and the emotions. The actors, directors, and everyone involved in building a performance make theatre feel alive and meaningful. Their passion inspires me every time I watch a play. But even more than that, it is the emotions I experience — from laughter to tears — that make each visit unforgettable and keep my love for theatre growing.

The trunk (what keeps you in theatre)

Feelings. I have never felt anything like I do in theatre. It feels as if I have lived many lives and experienced each one deeply. Theatre is an emotional release for me — after it, I feel lighter. It helps me in difficult times.

Branches (future / desire)

In the future, I imagine theatre staying an important part of my life. I once dreamed of becoming an actress, and I still think it would be amazing to be connected to theatre in some way. If that doesn’t happen professionally, I will continue going often. For me, it is like therapy — a place to feel deeply, relax, and recharge.

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Why?

A Eucalyptus deglupta (rainbow eucalyptus). It is unique, constantly changing, and becomes even more beautiful without losing itself. That feels close to my life path — and honestly, I simply love this tree.

Contact

Instagram: @vilkk.ka
TikTok: @viii1ika