Faces of NLU: Meet Anna-Mariya Skakodub
An international student from Ukraine discusses why she loves Chicago and how she has found a “second family” at NLU.
At National Louis University (NLU), we want to be a home-away-from-home for our international students. That’s why we have a dedicated International Student Services Office, focused on helping international students through their experience at NLU, from their initial application, to visa requirements, to settling into life in the United States.
Anna-Mariya Skakodub is one student who has embraced the community at NLU, and Chicago as a whole, while earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Coming from Ukraine, Anna-Mariya took her time finding a university that aligned with her beliefs and priorities as a student. She says that NLU’s principles of diversity, social justice and high-quality education are what convinced her to attend.
“My decision to apply for the B.S. in Business Administration at National Louis University in Chicago was fueled by a powerful founding principle of NLU that quality education can transform lives, careers and communities, which is a belief I personally share from early childhood. Coming from an ordinary family in Ukraine and being the oldest child among my two brothers and a sister, my parents raised me with a strong sense of leadership and protection.”
“In addition,” she says, “my choice to study at NLU in Chicago was based on the principle of ethnic diversity of a college campus, which I strongly value as a human rights advocate.”
Even though she had found a good match in NLU, Anna-Mariya was still hesitant to move across the world to a new country and new city.
“Coming to Chicago wasn’t an easy decision,” she says. “ I was afraid to leave my country, my family, my friends, my job, my personal life.”
“But I was confident in one thing,” she continues. “I would never let fear lead my life. And I gave it a try. And so far, moving to Chicago is the best decision I have ever made [...] During my time here in Chicago, I have met outstanding people who became a family for me. So much support, love, care, understanding, fun, and help have come from them. I have never felt alone.”
Anna-Mariya would come to rely on the “second family” she met while studying at NLU, as war broke out in her home country of Ukraine in February of 2022.
“At the beginning of the war, I couldn’t work. I couldn’t study. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t notice the signals my body sent me. There was no music, no movies, no fun, no more waiting for spring and checking Instagram for fun and inspiration,” Anna-Mariya says.
Although it was difficult to focus on her studies, Anna-Mariya was comforted by the response she received from the NLU community.
“NLU itself has supported Ukraine a lot, and me specifically,” Anna-Mariya says. “On the second day of the war, I received an email from NLU International Officer Maria Lammy with words of support and a proposal for help. I honestly did not expect that NLU would react so quickly to this critical situation and provide me with the mental and emotional support that I needed so much.”
She was also impressed by the strong support she witnessed in Chicago as a whole:
“People massively took to the streets to support Ukraine and call on politicians, government officials and other leaders to stop Putin and help stop the war. There have been concerts, exhibitions, art evenings, auctions that displayed Ukrainian culture, fundraised money to help Ukrainian refugees, and simply support for Ukraine in these hard times.”
While the Chicago community has been an important support for Anna-Mariya during the war, it has also been an ideal setting for her to learn about business and gain crucial skills and connections.
“Chicago offers distinct benefits for college students seeking to pursue their career in Business Administration,” she says. “With more than 2.7 million people, working across a wide range of professions, I’ll have ample opportunities to connect and to build a professional network.”
After she graduates, Anna-Mariya hopes to create an organization that fosters cooperation between her two “home countries.”
“I want to run a business that will cultivate a strong relationship between American and Ukrainian people through implementing innovative ideas, finding sustainable solutions to economic and social issues, and embracing common business opportunities,” Anna-Mariya says.
While her experience has not always been easy, Anna-Mariya encourages her fellow international students to push through obstacles and remain focused on their goals.
“There’s a saying that if there is a mountain, there has to be a path to the top of it. If you have a dream [...] don’t lose sight of it. Be fearless, be invincible, be demanding to yourself and to the world, be limitless, be committed and be dedicated to your path on the mountain. But also, be kind and gentle to those who walk with you. You have only one life to live. So live it right and leave an outstanding print behind you. Because one day, somebody may follow your path to their mountain.”
Learn more about the support and services NLU offers international students. You can request more information online or call (888) 658-8632, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you shortly to discuss your educational and professional goals.
