Senior Reflects One Year After Evacuating Ukraine

By Molly Moore and Abby Crespin

In February 2022, Russia launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine and began the Russo-Ukrainian War and sent shockwaves across the world. While the combat itself has been contained within Russian and Ukrainian borders, the impact has stretched across the globe, including to the City of Falls Church. The Lasso met with senior Alen Bean, whose family was forced to leave Ukraine at the start of the War.

What was Ukraine like be- fore you evacuated?

“I lived in Kyiv, Ukraine for five years and really enjoyed my life there. I had never lived in Europe before and it was extremely interesting to experience a city so intertwined with history and culture. Kyiv is a beautiful city filled with greenery, beautiful architecture, a vibrant city life and extremely friendly people. I ended up in Kyiv because both my parents worked for the U.S Embassy.”

How did evacuation affect you and your family?

“Evacuation came as a shock. I think everyone was surprised about the evacuation, especially after living there for five years. Previously we had never experienced any signs that the war was expanding. The evacuation period was very difficult. I had 3 days to say goodbye to my best friends, my soccer team, and leave the country with my one suitcase. I evacuated first to Sarajevo, Bosnia, where I lived near my mom’s family... While in Sarajevo, I finished my junior year online with my Kyiv school, then moved to Falls Church.”

Reflecting one year later, how did leaving Ukraine impact you as a person?

“It has definitely made me appreciate the moments I have in life and although war is occuring far away, the impact of it is greater than you might think. It has also enlightened me about the idea of peace and the importance of maintaining it.”

How does the ongoing war affect you, due to your connection to the country?

“The War has definitely been life changing. I’m constantly in touch with classmates, former teachers and teammates talking about the war. It’s still extremely difficult to look at pictures of cities that I used to travel to for soccer games that now lay in ruins. I’m always keeping up to date with the war and I will until it is over. I’m extremely proud of how Ukraine has fought back against Russia’s aggression and hope that victory will come soon.”

What would you tell yourself one year ago as you were leaving Ukraine?

“One thing I would say to myself is that life is very fragile, things can change very quickly and people die. You have to be grateful for what you have in the moment.”