Two years ago, back in 2022, life looked very different. I was living in Ukraine, raising my teenage daughters, and sharing our home with a completely hairless cat. At that time, I had just begun my journey as a technical writer—a role I quickly fell in love with. Life had a rhythm I was familiar with: I travelled often, but nothing compared to the feeling of coming back home. Immigration was never on my radar.
Then, everything changed.
It was an ordinary day until I woke up to the sound of missiles, not my alarm. My phone showed 121 missed calls, each likely bringing the devastating news that the war had begun. In that instant, my world shattered. The life I had known was replaced with uncertainty and fear. It felt like a nightmare I couldn’t wake from.
Without much time to process, I grabbed my daughters, our cat, and whatever essentials I could find—first aid kits, blankets, jewelry, food, water, and, of course, my phone. Fortunately, I encountered a kind driver who agreed to attempt the dangerous journey to the relatively safer Lviv region. But even there, safety felt fleeting. Missile warnings echoed through the air, leaving no room for peace of mind.
This urgency pushed me to cross into Poland on foot—a 17-kilometre journey with the kids to the border, followed by a night and day spent outdoors in -5℃ temperatures. It might not sound extreme, but in the middle of winter, with no shelter and only blankets for warmth, it didn’t matter whether there were two blankets or a thousand. It was the coldest day of my life, and the worst part was the uncertainty—not knowing how long the wait would be.
Once in Poland, the proximity to the conflict still left me uneasy. That’s when I decided to move to Canada—a country where I hoped to find safety and peace. I applied for Canadian visas for myself and my children and was fortunate to secure a job as a technical writer with D2L. I remain incredibly grateful for this opportunity, which allowed me to continue building on my previous experience in Ukraine.
But beyond that, I’ve gained so much more. Working with talented, supportive colleagues, I’ve been able to grow both professionally and personally. Every day, I continue to improve my skills and discover something new. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team that creates the world-leading, meaningful product. I am proud when my daughters talk about the D2L Brightspace platform they use at school—the product their mom works on.
D2L isn’t just a job—it has become a lifeline. The support I received from my colleagues was extraordinary. When we first arrived in Canada, we had almost nothing. Yet, my D2L family stepped in, providing us with furniture, household essentials, and even a fireplace that brought warmth to our new home, both literally and emotionally.
Since then, my journey and my children’s have only begun. I transitioned to a full-time role and later relocated from London (Ontario) to Ottawa. I’ve started learning French as my fifth language. Once heartbroken from leaving behind friends, schools and routines, my daughters have adjusted beautifully. The kids have started to smile again after a long, rough period.
Even our cat, once completely hairless, has started to grow fur, embracing the Canadian climate like a true survivor.
The war will leave scars, but it also opened my eyes to how much I have to be thankful for. Canada has become my home, and D2L is a pillar of strength in this new chapter. I love what I do, and I’m endlessly inspired by the people I work with.
Giving back has become an essential part of my life. Whether donating blood or volunteering as an interpreter at community events, I am committed to showing gratitude. I’m reminded daily of the things we often take for granted and how fortunate I am to be where I am today. Thank you, D2L, for being a part of my story and allowing me to be a part of yours.
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