I’ve recently stepped into my new role as a Volunteer and Community Development Officer, and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities (and yes, the occasional challenges!) that come with it.

I’ve had a personal rule for quite some time: when in doubt—volunteer. This principle goes all the way back to my student days in post-Soviet Ukraine. I was studying economics with wonderfully traditional “old-school” professors, while brand-new courses and materials were being invented as we went along. Somewhere between theory and reality, I realised I wasn’t quite getting everything I needed from lectures alone… so I decided to look elsewhere.

That’s how I joined an international student organisation as a volunteer. One thing led to another, and before long I was on the local branch board, responsible for PR and communications. I helped organise events, student fairs, and trainings, arranged press conferences, edited promotional materials, and worked with local media. At one point, I was even lucky enough to receive free training from a BBC journalist on how charities build relationships with the press—which felt very impressive at the time.

More importantly, I gained confidence, practical skills, and experience that helped me land my first job while I was still at university. My career then took me into fashion retail—something I thoroughly enjoyed, especially as it involved travelling, meeting new people, and absorbing different cultures.

Then, like for many others, everything changed. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine turned life upside down, and I moved to the UK for safety. It was a difficult time—I missed my family and friends deeply and spent a lot of time worrying about them. So once again, I turned to my trusted strategy: when things feel uncertain—volunteer.

I got involved wherever I could, from interpreting to supporting language courses for people arriving in the UK. It helped me stay focused, connect with others, and feel that I was making a difference. When I came across VAAC’s advert for a Ukrainian Volunteering Coordinator, I thought, “Why not give it a go?” Fortunately, it worked out. Through working with fantastic Ukrainian activists in the area, I’ve learned so much—and now I’m very happy to continue that journey in my new role.

Outside of work, I recharge in fairly simple ways. Back in Ukraine, I lived just a ten-minute walk from the sea, so being near the coast has always been my way of resetting. Naturally, I’m thrilled to be in Chichester, so close to such beautiful beaches. When I’m not by the sea, you might find me at the little cinema at New Park—another of my favourite places in town.