Music, Hope, and a New Beginning

Ukrainian musician and psychologist Polina Ustymenko shares her journey from war-torn Ukraine to a new life in Canada. She reflects on the challenges of displacement, her passion for music, her hopes for the future, and her unwavering love for Ukraine while embracing Canada as her second home.

1. Please introduce yourself. Tell us a little about your background and when you came to Canada.

My name is Polina Ustymenko, and I recently celebrated my 26th birthday. This is my third birthday in Toronto. I came to Canada on my own in October 2023, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022.

My father is serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, defending our country, and I am incredibly proud of him. My mother and my older sister remain in Ukraine.

2. Which city in Ukraine are you from? Was your hometown affected by the war?

I am from Cherkasy, a city in central Ukraine. Although it is not close to the front line, our city has also been affected by Russian missile and drone attacks.

The war has touched every region of Ukraine. Even western cities near the Polish border, once considered relatively safe, continue to be targeted. No part of our country has been completely untouched.

3. How has the war changed your life?

The war has been emotionally exhausting for everyone, including me. It is heartbreaking that children cannot attend school in peace and adults cannot go to work without fear.

Every day brought uncertainty. You never knew whether a missile might strike your home or whether you would survive the day. Living under that constant stress changes a person forever.

4. When did your passion for music begin?

Music has always come from my heart. As a child, while studying at music school, I began experimenting with writing my own songs.

Today I mostly perform cover songs, but I truly enjoy playing the guitar and continuing to develop my voice. Music has always been a source of happiness, comfort, and hope in my life.

5. What role does music play in your life today?

Music helps me express my emotions and stay connected with people. Whether I am singing or playing the guitar, it allows me to share feelings that words alone sometimes cannot express. It continues to inspire me and gives me strength during difficult times.

6. Besides music, what are your future goals?

I want to continue growing my YouTube channel and Instagram while also developing my professional career.

I hold a Master's degree in Psychology from Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy. Our university has an excellent Psychology Department with highly qualified and supportive professors who helped me build a strong foundation in this field.

In the future, I hope to continue expanding my knowledge and use it to provide psychological support to people who need it.

7. Do you plan to write and perform your own original music?

Absolutely. One of my dreams is to write and compose my own original songs. I hope that one day I will be able to share my own stories, emotions, and experiences through music.

8. What do you miss most about Ukraine?

I deeply miss my family, my friends, and the life I had in Ukraine.

I believe that our country will achieve victory and live in peace again. Ukrainians are strong and resilient, and I am grateful to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for courageously defending our homeland.

9. What has been the biggest challenge of starting a new life in Canada?

Moving to Canada and adapting to life in a large city like Toronto was a major challenge.

Living here has taught me to become stronger, overcome difficulties, solve everyday problems independently, trust myself, and follow my intuition. Canada is a welcoming and prosperous country, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has given me.

10. How do you see your future?

Canada has become my second home. At the same time, I hope that peace will soon return to Ukraine and that our people will finally be safe.

I would like to build my future between Canada and Ukraine, continuing to grow personally and professionally while maintaining strong connections to both countries.

11. What has your experience been like within Canada's Ukrainian community?

Canada has a strong and vibrant Ukrainian community, especially here in Toronto, and I am proud to be part of it.

Throughout the year we celebrate many important cultural events, including Vyshyvanka Day, Ivana Kupala Night, Ukrainian Independence Day, and St. Nicholas Day. These celebrations help Ukrainians feel at home while introducing our beautiful culture, traditions, and history to Canadians and people from many other backgrounds.

12. What message would you like to share with Ukrainians living abroad?

I encourage everyone never to give up, to continue praying for Ukraine's victory, and to do everything possible to support our homeland.

Even when we are far from home, we can preserve our language, culture, and traditions, show the world the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people, and help build a better future.

Believe in yourself, embrace new opportunities, and always remember that Ukraine will remain in our hearts.

Glory to Ukraine!

(Follow Polina at: youtube channel@polinuts and instagram @polysilk_)