“We love our friends and are happy to accept all the support we can get. Stelmah is grateful for the support and more than anything wants people to know her country, and the people who live there, are “strong” and will not back down. “Bridgewater State University stands in solidarity with Ukraine and its brave and patriotic citizens in defense of freedom,” said President Frederick W. On the evening of March 2, Boyden was also lit up in blue and yellow, Ukraine’s national colors. In a show of support, BSU has displayed the Ukrainian flag above the steps of Boyden Hall. When the majority of people want to change something, we can.” “Russia is giving a very different picture, but if people can share information that is correct, on the news or even social media…our voices are important. “The simplest way to support Ukraine is to gather information and share what is really happening,” Stelmah said. “The truth is, the majority of Ukrainians are trying to build a vibrant democracy,” she said. Ukraine does not need to be “saved’, Stelmah said, which runs counter to what Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly stated. “Freedom is our number one priority,” she said. She wants the BSU community to understand why Ukraine is fighting back against the Russians. Whenever I had an issue or a problem, everyone was super helpful,” Stelmah said. “It was amazing to feel the support back then from all the people, especially the professors. When the COVID-19 health crisis initially struck, Stelmah was one of the 86 international students who remained on campus. She also worked as a graduate assistant for international student and scholar services. Stelmah, who is from Vinnytsia, earned her master’s degree in business administration from Bridgewater State University. Luckily my city is not bombed yet, but that can change any minute.” “My grandmother is older and can’t safely move, so my mom, 12-year-old brother, and grandmother have stayed. “A lot of people have fled the country, but my family can’t do that,” she said. Even though she is safe in Massachusetts, Olena Stelmah’s, G’20, thoughts are with her family in her native Ukraine, whose members are doing their best to survive the ongoing Russian invasion.
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