I CAN COUNT ON HELP FROM MY POLISH COLLEAGUES AND COACH
When it all started, I was at home in Kiev. I remember my mum waking me up and telling me that we had to pack all our things so that, in case of danger, we could quickly run away from the rockets. I remember my younger brother crying with fear.
I went down to a shelter more than once. The longest I sat in it was five hours. There was water, no toilet and not much light. Just a floor, a bench and a chair. Everyone was sitting, looking at each other. In March, we went to Cherkasy, to my grandmother’s and grandfather’s place. It was quieter and safer there. But when Dad saw a rocket flying past the window, he decided he had to take us to Poland. I didn't want that very much. I didn't want to be separated from my Dad or to leave my house and school.
In Poland, I enrolled in a sports high school and artistic gymnastics classes at the Youth Palace in Warsaw. I started learning the language on my own. I want to become a coach in the future, so I have to choose a course of study related to sport. I will definitely stay here, in Warsaw. I don't want to move to another city and start all over again.
My friends and coaches always help me. I know I can count on them. I would like to thank them very much for all this. Most Poles are friendly and understand Ukrainians.
Mariia Sarazhyna, 16, a gymnast from Ukraine
