“I’m Already Starting to Forget What Life Was Like Before the War”: The Story of 15-Year-Old Mariia from Kharkiv
Fifteen-year-old Mariia knows what it means to lose her childhood and, at the same time, to find the strength to enjoy life despite all the hurdles. She attends folk dance classes, loves her city, and dreams of helping other teenagers discover bright moments even in the darkest times. In this video, Mariia speaks about life during the war, her father’s military service, and her dreams.
When Childhood Is Taken Away
Mariia was still a child when Russia’s full-scale invasion began. The most painful question for her was why she had to live through the events that took away part of her life. Soon after came another trial—her father joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
When you understand that you’ve sort of adapted to life during war, they simply take your father away. And you have to realize and accept that he’s no longer there with you,
Mariia shared.
She tries to calm herself by thinking that her father is not on the front line but serving in a rear unit. Still, she understands that the war has changed everything. Even her memories of life before the Russian invasion are gradually fading. She honestly admits that she is trying not to think about the lost “normal” life, but it constantly drains her energy.
Honestly, I’m already starting to forget what life was like before the war. All those emotions, they fade away, and you begin to remember only the life you’re living now—in this reality. You try to forget that you didn’t really have—and maybe still don’t have—a normal life. But it doesn’t go away. It stays in the background. It’s there, and it still takes your strength,
Mariia says.
Kharkiv and Dance: Roots and Wings
For Mariia, folk dance has become a way to express what words cannot. She has been practicing for ten years now, and she can reveal her inner state through movement.
When I dance, I can reflect the inner state of my soul through movements. And then I feel truly alive,
she explains.
Mariia deeply loves her native Kharkiv and notices how she is changing while living in the same city. She sees that the city retains its vibrant life even during the war, with institutions and educational centers still operating.
Kharkiv is the place where I was born, where I grew up, where I changed—where the walls have stayed the same, but I’m already a different person. During the war, this spark of active life is still alive—the spark you can reach for. Like a moth to a flame,
Mariia says.
Voices Camp as a Turning Point
This summer, Mariia took part in Voices Camp—a program for teenagers who have lived through the difficult experiences of war. It was organized by Voices of Children with the support of and in partnership with the Olena Zelenska Foundation.
At the camp, Mariia discovered new opportunities. Here, she could open up without fear of judgment—instead, she found support and understanding. She has split her experience into two parts: moments when she could simply be a teenager having fun with peers, and moments when she worked on herself through psychological workshops, learning important lessons from the conversations with adults, and finding a desire to explore herself and the world around her more deeply.
I felt like this was a place where I could open up freely and safely without being judged for it. All I received here was support, love, and admiration,
Mariia recalls.
Dreams of Stability and Hope as a Source of Strength
Despite all the trials, Mariia clearly sees her future. First of all, she dreams of a stable income—as for her, this represents confidence and security. But most importantly, she wants to be useful to others—especially teenagers going through similar hurdles. Her experience at Voices Camp inspired her to dream of opening her own psychological support center or even launching her camp. She wants to help other teenagers find positive moments, even despite the war.
Mariia draws strength from her hope that the war will finally end. She compares today’s situation to World War II, which also eventually came to an end. That belief inspires her.
I’m healed by the hope that one day this will all be over. We will win. Because it’s in us. It’s simply part of our soul,
she says.
This inner strength not only helps her endure but also allows her to grow, dream, and plan for the future. Mariia is a telling example of how, with professional support, teenagers can find resources for development even in the hardest of times.
At our regional centers, teenagers can find a community of peers, receive psychological support, and take part in creative activities and games. If needed, anyone can also reach our free psychological support helpline for children and parents: 0 800 210 106.
If you share the mission of Voices of Children, please support the Foundation’s daily efforts with a donation.
