Sasha Nikanova (center) with Ukrainian Club members, rallying in Downtown Santa Barbara.
SASHA NIKANOVA As a native Ukrainian who has been an international student in the US since I was fourteen, I’ve always cared about the international student community, whether it was during my boarding high school years or here at UCSB. When I came to this university, I wanted to find a community that would not only accept me, but one that I could also contribute to.
One such community that I found is the Ukrainian Student Association at UCSB, which is a tight-knit group of people coming from various backgrounds, all brought together by their common interest in Ukrainian culture and language. We host weekly talks where we give small lessons about Ukraine’s history, language, and traditions to anyone who wishes to learn more. The club includes international students, such as myself, as well as American citizens who have a personal connection to Ukraine.
The photo demonstrates me participating in a rally for Ukraine in Downtown Santa Barbara to protest against the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of my home country. After the rally, our club’s main officer invited us to his house to bake “mlynzi” (traditional Ukrainian crepes) and celebrate our shared culture. I am glad to be a part of such a caring, active, and authentic organization that aims to recognize and shine a light on the international student population here at UCSB.
FROM THE GGC BOARD Sasha has made meaningful contributions to the international student community through multiple roles, including as an officer of the Ukrainian Club, a member of International Students, Inc. (ISI) Santa Barbara, and a Senior Staff Writer for The Bottom Line newspaper. She has fostered cultural awareness and community support through weekly “talk hours” for Ukrainian students and by organizing inclusive social events for international students. Additionally, her journalism work amplifies the voices of international students, raising awareness of their experiences and promoting representation on campus. We congratulate Sasha on her great achievements this year.
About the Award
The AS GGC Community Contribution Award recognizes the invaluable contributions of students who enhance the international student experience at UCSB. Each year, up to twenty students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and impact within the international student community are selected as our Community Contribution Specialists to receive a $300 honorarium as a token of appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
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