🇪🇺 TEEN European Digital Community: Young Oak from Cernihiv, Ukraine

Young Oak

I am a motivated and active young leader who believes in the power of small, consistent steps. I started practicing karate at a young age and entered medical college on my own, balancing study with work. I love reading and constantly developing myself.
In 2025, I participated in the projects “SHUM 2.0” and “SHUM 2.0: Changes for the Better,” where I worked on youth policy, cooperation with local authorities, leadership, public speaking, and project management. I use these skills as a member of the youth council “Solidarna Molod.”
I also joined the event “Political Arena,” where I played the role of city president in a simulation game. This gave me practical experience in decision-making and defending my position. I am part of the student self-government at my medical college, coordinating events and improving conditions for students.
I lead the communications and media department of the future NGO “Know Your Rights” and develop my media skills through courses like Genius, Prometheus, and MediaBoost. I also have experience conducting interviews and organizing events on public speaking, debates, tactical medicine, art therapy, and educational lectures on grant writing and youth policy.
I am active in volunteering: I organized events for children in hospitals and participated in charity initiatives to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I also participated in Girls Leadership & Volunteering Forum 3.0, International Political Camp, and U-Camp focused on European integration, democracy, and the role of youth in politics.

The soil / the need

When I first got closer to theatre, I was looking for a space where I could express myself freely and honestly. I wanted deeper communication, real emotions, and connection with people who feel and think beyond the surface. I was missing a place where I could step out of my usual role, explore different perspectives, and grow both emotionally and creatively. Theatre felt like a way to understand myself better and to share something meaningful with others.

The first seed

A festival / event.

Tell us about that first spark

I remember it clearly. It was during a festival. I really enjoyed interacting with people — we were open, emotional, and connected. I felt comfortable expressing myself and sharing energy with others.
That’s when I understood that theatre is about real connection, and it became important to me.

Roots (people & experiences that shaped your path)

In my theatre journey, the most important have been the people I met during festivals and creative events. Their openness, support, and honesty helped me feel confident and inspired.
The atmosphere of those spaces — full of trust, emotions and freedom of expression — shaped me a lot. Every shared experience, every rehearsal, every conversation after performances made me grow not only as a performer, but as a person.

The trunk (what keeps you in theatre)

What keeps me in theatre is the feeling of being alive on stage and connected to others.
Theatre gives me a space where I can express emotions honestly, step into different perspectives, and understand people deeper. It constantly challenges me to grow — emotionally and creatively.
I stay because every experience feels real, intense, and meaningful, and I don’t want to lose that feeling.

Branches (future / desire)

I imagine theatre being an important part of my future, even if it’s not the only path I choose. I want it to stay as a space where I can grow, explore myself, and stay connected to creative people.
In the next years, I hope theatre will give me more confidence, deeper understanding of emotions, and new experiences. I want it to challenge me, open new opportunities, and help me become stronger and more open as a person.

Are you currently involved in cultural activities?

Yes, regularly.

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

If I were a tree, I would be a young oak.
It is strong and keeps growing every year. Even when the wind is strong, it stands firmly. I feel the same — I am still learning and growing, but I have inner strength and discipline.
I also want to be a person who gives support and a safe space to others, like a tree that gives shade.

Contact

Email: ribocka9@gmail.com

Instagram: @nastuelly_