Tell us a bit about your background.
I was born and raised in Ukraine. During my childhood and teenage years, I used to play soccer professionally for soccer clubs Shakhtar Donetsk and Metallurg Donetsk. I came to the United States when I was 17 to go to college in New York. I lived with my older sister for a while until I decided to join the military. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, I graduated from Pace University in New York City and started at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in Fall 2021. My parents still live in Ukraine. My father is an electrical engineer, and my mother is a college professor. My sister continues to live in New York and works as a tax lawyer for a large international law firm.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
My sister was an original source of inspiration for me because she told me about her law school experience and some of the cases that she had worked on early in her legal career that had a real impact on other people’s lives. While she currently works as a corporate tax lawyer, she also does a significant amount of pro bono work for clients in need of immigration, tax and other advice. Similar to her, I want to be able to help immigrants obtain legal status in the US, as well as help people in need have proper representation in courts. Eventually joining efforts with my sister would be an added bonus!
What activities are you involved in as a student?
I have been involved in Pace Veterans Association since my undergraduate years at Pace University. As a member of this organization, I have participated in numerous events throughout the years, such as Veterans Day parades, 9/11 events, job fairs, and speaking panels with military leaders. Being involved in Pace Veterans Association has been an extremely positive experience for me because I got a chance to be a part of a really dynamic veterans’ community and became friends with lots of other student veterans. Throughout our undergraduate years, we have supported each other on both academic and personal fronts. At Haub Law, I have joined the Military Law and Veterans’ Society and am looking forward to meeting my fellow veteran law students there. I have also recently become involved in the Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law Society and the Criminal Justice Society at the Law School.
Thank you for your service. Can you speak about that experience?
The years I spent in the military have been life-changing for me. Completing boot camp in Parris Island was a very tough experience, which taught me to persevere and withstand any challenges. After completing the boot camp, I went to Marine Combat Training in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and then Supply School (Logistics) in Camp Johnson, North Carolina. Subsequently, I was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (Infantry Battalion) aboard Camp Pendleton, California. In Camp Pendleton, I had two jobs –Supply Administration and Combat Marksmanship Coach. As part of the Supply Administration job, I had to account for the property of my Battalion, as well as place requisitions for the items that we were deficient on. I also had to oversee and manage the budget that my Battalion could spend on various items. As the Combat Marksmanship Coach, I had to supervise Marines on the shooting ranges, make sure that they adhere to the safety procedures, and correct their shooting positions so they could become more proficient in their shooting skills.
During my service, I have been deployed to Okinawa, Japan for 7 months. I also received a number of awards from the military, including three Certificates of Commendation for exemplary performance and Certificates of Recognition for volunteer services. As part of such volunteer services, I, among other things, helped US veterans who were homeless, displaced or disabled to find shelter, search for jobs, and prepare for job interviews.
What does it mean to you to be a veteran?
Being a veteran is of great importance to me. While serving in the Marine Corps, I have experienced a unique sense of comradery, friendship and support for each other. Every year when I march with Pace University in the Veterans Parade on November 11th, I experience very special moments of pride, joy and happiness. Military service has also had an impact on my law school experience. Mainly, it taught me mental and physical discipline, which I regularly incorporate into my law school life.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
I love to play soccer, run and exercise at the gym – I find that regular physical activities help me stay focused in school. I also like to spend time with my family and friends and read about sports.
What advice would you give a new or prospective law student?
Attending law school is a challenging, but very interesting path. Be ready to work hard and put in the hours and I am sure your efforts will pay off in the future.