Mariia Skalska

I'm a passionate and motivated student with a strong interest in leadership, event coordination, debate, critical thinking, music, and learning. I enjoy challenges, fast-paced work, and bringing people together. I love taking initiative, organizing projects, and finding creative solutions under pressure. This has helped me develop strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Music has played a big role in shaping who I am. Eight years of classical training in piano, solfeggio, music literature, and choir, along with performing at national events. It taught me confidence in self-expression and emotional stamina.

I have a deep interest in debate and discussions about sociological matters, and I always challenge myself to grow, learn fast and take on meaningful responsibilities.

INDEPENDENT ENROLLMENT AT CAMBRIDGE

At 14, a few months after leaving Odesa, I joined a summer program in Romania for Ukrainian students. After attending several of these sessions, I had luck to attend a lesson taught by Miss Flora that completely changed my perspective. Her energy, intellect, and genuine passion for teaching made me realise how exciting learning could be. That experience sparked the idea of studying at her school, Transylvania College. The very next day, I went there alone to ask about enrollment. I was told the process would be difficult: I was too young, my English was weak, and I would need to pass several interviews and an entrance exam. Still, I prepared my CV, explained my goals, and insisted on taking the tests. Some time later, I was accepted. I only told my parents after I received the offer. It was the first major decision I made entirely on my own and it taught me confidence, independence, and the value of taking initiative.

TALENT SHOW ORGANISATION

In my first year at Transylvania College, I took the initiative to organise the middle school Talent Show after my tutor requested volunteers. As the main coordinator, I worked with a small team of three to manage participants, design and set up the stage, and coordinate sound and logistics. Despite being new to the school and having limited connections, the show was a success and strengthened my confidence, leadership, organization, and adaptability skills while proving my ability to take initiative in new environments.

DEBATE AND DIPLOMACY

I have a strong passion for debating and thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Repeated participation in Model United Nations and the International Cambridge Debate in Bucharest sharpened my critical thinking and decision-making abilities, in November 2025, I participated in the Timisoara MUN (Romania) as the Delegate of Argentina in the Human Rights Committee, receiving the Best Delegate Award. I constantly refine my skills by analyzing complex topics and identifying logical fallacies, it is truly my biggest passion!

CROSS-CULTURAL COMPETENCE

Ukrainian is my native language, and I’m also fluent in Russian and English. I mastered Russian through reading classical literature like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky and learned English after moving to Romania, reaching fluency in under three years at a Cambridge school. I also study Spanish and understand Romanian through daily interaction. I believe language learning is one of the most powerful ways to deepen our understanding of humanity.

HUMANITARIAN VOLUNTEER - Asociatia Phoneo  

June 2022 - present moment 

Since 2022, I have been an active volunteer with the Charitable Foundation "Phoneo". I have contributed to a range of humanitarian, cultural, and social aid projects that help underprivileged individuals in Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees in Romania. Also, I helped with organizing charity events by working with program planning and execution. Interacting with colleagues and participants were an essential component of my duties. As a co-coordinator and performer in the Ukrainian-Romanian teenage band Meeting Point, I gained valuable intercultural teamwork experience, including participation in Romania’s Got Talent.

RENOVATION - Meeting Point Centre

August 2024 / July 2025

I participated in the renovation of the Ukrainian Talent Centre in Cluj-Napoca, where I contributed by painting doors and walls, cleaning up post-renovation mess, washing mirrors, and assisting with various tasks. This experience helped me develop a strong sense of community, particularly knowing that my efforts were contributing to a space where Ukrainian kids and teens could discover their passions. It was incredibly fulfilling to be part of a project that aimed to support the future growth and opportunities for young people in my community.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD AMBASSADOR - DoFE

March 2023 - May 2023

I served as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Ambassador, representing the "Stand By Me" program designed for Ukrainian youth. Acted as a speaker at various events in Bucharest and represented the initiative at the UK Embassy. Shared personal experiences as a Ukrainian teen adapting to life in Romania, insights on how the program supports young people in building resilience, forming friendships, setting goals, developing skills, volunteering, staying active, and exploring through adventure. Featured in a news article for my contributions and advocacy.

COASTAL CLEANUP

August 2020

In 2020, I participated in a personal project to clean up the coastline in my village, Viktorovka. Along with my family, we spent three days removing broken glass, trash, and other debris from the area. Each day, we filled up huge garbage bags with waste, and by the end of our efforts, the coast was clean, safe, and ready for future visitors. It was a rewarding experience that made me feel incredibly proud of both my personal contribution and the teamwork within my family.