“Gaining knowledge to help elevate Ukraine”
Olesia Mykhailyshyn is one of the first two recipients of the Ruslan Chopyuk Memorial Scholarship and a second-year bachelor’s student at KSE University, majoring in Software Engineering and Business Analysis.
Receiving the Ruslan Chopyuk Memorial Scholarship, according to Olesia, was an incredibly meaningful and honorable recognition. Most importantly, because the scholarship bears the name of a Hero of Ukraine — a person who gave his life for the freedom and better future of Ukrainians.
“When I found out that I was one of the first recipients, I felt deep gratitude and, at the same time, an internal call to be worthy of this honor. For me, it’s a symbol of respect and a daily reminder of the price our country pays for the opportunity to study, live, and grow. At the same time, it is also a great responsibility — to carry these values forward and use my knowledge to help build the future of Ukraine,” — shares Olesia.
“Education is not only about results, but above all about the journey”
Eighteen-year-old Olesia Mykhailyshyn is originally from Lviv. She chose the Software Engineering and Business Analysis program at KSE because of its multidisciplinary nature, specifically its ability to combine applied sciences with real-world applications in business.
“What I like about KSE is the approach that allows students to gradually choose the directions that suit them best, shaping their own path. This is especially important when it’s hard to decide on a future profession right away. Thanks to a combination of required and elective courses, I feel like I’m building both a deep and flexible understanding within my field,” says Olesia.
Consistency and discipline are the foundation of Olesia’s life — values she absorbed from her religious family and her participation in the youth wing of the Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists. She held the leadership position of pidporuchnyk, which involved organizing training camps and leading a squad. It was there, Olesia says, that she learned to be a patriot and to value commitment and resilience.
“Back home in Lviv, I aimed to realize my full potential through academics, extracurricular activities, and physical training such as self-defense, dance, and gymnastics. After moving to Kyiv, I realized that the Kyiv School of Economics is a place that allows me to keep moving toward great accomplishments without neglecting everyday effort,” she shares.
“To Be Someone Who Not Only ‘Achieves’ But Also ‘Lives Meaningfully'”
According to Olesia, the Ruslan Chopyuk Memorial Scholarship provides additional opportunities for academic growth, involvement in extracurricular programs, and deepens a sense of belonging to a community that values quality, purpose, and humanity. Last year, Olesia served as a KSE ambassador, helping young and talented students learn more about the opportunities offered by what is now her alma mater.
“For me, it was a way to invest in the next generation, which is the foundation of a strong and developed Ukraine,” Olesia shares. “Right now, I’m more focused on professional growth in my field — studying, participating in projects that help develop not just knowledge, but practical skills as well.”
This summer, Olesia will take part in the VALEUS-Istanbul Summer School: Migration and Enlargement international program in Istanbul.
“Exchange programs abroad are a great educational experience in a different academic environment. At the same time, I know that my place is in Ukraine — either in my native Lviv or in ambitious Kyiv. It is here that I want to pursue my professional path in the field I’ve chosen,” Olesia says.
“Your Ordinary Day Is Someone Else’s Dream. Be Grateful for What You Have Now”
Olesia believes that every individual’s success is a small step toward a larger collective achievement. That’s why she works hard in her studies, making progress academically and growing personally.
“I hold a strong belief that the values of discipline, mutual support, and self-improvement that I strive to live by can inspire my peers. Through these principles, I aim to make a meaningful contribution to the academic culture and mission of KSE,” Olesia shares.
She finds inspiration in the idea of steady progress — when even a small daily habit can change you and lead to great results. This journey, she believes, is where true transformation happens.
“The Ruslan Chopyuk Memorial Scholarship, for me, represents recognition and development. Knowing that your efforts have been noticed gives you the motivation to keep going. And although I haven’t made major contributions to society yet, I believe my dedication to learning forms the foundation for future impact on my country’s growth. I remember the heroes who gave their lives for our freedom, and I strive to continue their mission with dignity,” says Olesia.