The Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February of 2022, but the conflict is not yet an event of the past. The numerous Ukrainian students who moved to Washington are living reminders of the ongoing war, even for those in Camas. The invasion has ended the lives of many and has sent others fleeing to safer places. Camas is one of those places.
One Camas High School (CHS) student moved here on July 14 from Mariupol, Ukraine, which is a port city by the Sea of Azov. Russia’s three-month invasion almost destroyed the town. Russia currently occupies it and has done so since May of 2022.
“It no longer exists,” the student said, “not the house, not even some of my friends.”
The student and their family stayed for around a month, located in a basement, occasionally exiting for food and drinking rainwater from a collector until it was bombed.
“It’s a tough thing to look back on,” they said.
Another CHS student moved here five years ago from the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, which is another hotspot for the Russian invasion but is currently under Ukrainian occupation. They commented that they are also affected by the war since they have many relatives still living there.
“Every day, you look at the news. You see if your grandparents, uncles, and aunts will answer the phone. If they don’t answer, you’re wondering if it’s because they don’t have cell service or because they’re dead,” the student said.
On a more positive note, both students said that their introduction to a new school system has been good, with most teachers being kind and supportive, urging them to ask questions and ask for help. The most significant hardship is the language barrier, which makes it challenging to keep up with what teachers say.
They both have had a good start, but it is also crucial for CHS to keep up the empathy and helpfulness they would have with any other member of the community. In their interview, the students advised others to be sensitive about what they say, show, and how they behave towards Ukrainian students, especially newcomers, since many have PTSD or similar issues that can have drastic emotional effects.