Mykola is a USF activist. He grew up in Odesa, where he graduated from the Richelieu Lyceum, studying with the best teachers in his city. He was not a socially active person at school, but everything changed after the gap year that Kolya took after school. He became a student of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy, where in 10 months he completely changed himself, his environment and his worldview. He became acquainted with the ideas of libertarianism at the ULA, and when he realized that these ideas were close, he applied to the Leadership Program 2021 at the suggestion of a friend. From 2021 to 2025, Mykola will receive a bachelor’s degree in IT and Business Analytics from the Ukrainian Catholic University.

For me, USF is not just about things like conventions, hikes and trips. USF is an opportunity to influence changes in Ukraine here and now, without waiting for the moment when everything will be decided for you. USF is a powerful tool of civil society, and as we know, society itself shapes and changes the state. I am happy to be among the people with whom I share values and ideas. I am happy not only to talk about the problems in Ukraine, but also to join in solving them. USF is a great opportunity for that.