I AM EUROPEAN

Europe... What is it? Of course, when someone immediately hears this word the association of high-quality education, medicine and a great number of opportunities appears in his or her mind.  This means that there are many smart, talented people in Europe who let their countries develop with the rapidly increasing speed. But I believe that Ukraine has not less amount of talent than other European countries have. After all, even now a prototype of an ordinary Ukrainian has been remained. Talented, cheerful, sociable person who can overshadow everyone with his smile. Therefore, joining to Europe, Ukraine will bring its own, I'm sure, a considerable contribution. Scientists, creative personalities, athletes and many other diamonds of Ukrainian society exist in an unpolished state. But we are trying, really trying, to inform the world of our existence, but only a few attempts have been heard and taken into account.

The other side of the coin understands the concept of European. Personally, I think that European is someone who doesn’t leave litter in his porch, who doesn’t give or accept bribes. Self-consciousness is another step to change.

What methods do we use to get to Europe you will ask? It is up to us, the people, who are always looking for ways to create an enabling environment in the country. If we consider our political influence then we will see that people also nominate their own political parties aside from conventional authorities that in our opinion are more truthful than government elected earlier. Yes, it sounds a bit ironic but nevertheless fairly.

Moreover, take a look at our impact on the perception of the eyes of the country. By this phrase, I mean that people, who live in Ukraine, not only can "destroy" their Motherland, but also ennoble and give a chance for a new life. Someone creates pollution control services to protect the environment on a voluntary basis. The others make material or other assistance to people whose fate has gone in the wrong direction. I strongly believe that we should live by the principle "Treat other people the way you want to be treated." All these thoughts and actions bring us one step closer to Europe. Besides, we have made our purchases at European prices for a long time. So after all the part of Europe is already, present in our pockets. Joking aside, but there are more important things.

Recently, our territory has been attacked by the enemy. It is probably a grand occupation which seems nobody cares about. Maybe it is something we call "resolution of personal issues" by destructive methods of the enemy country. But our people, Ukrainians, revolted against these stealth secrets, empty promises, and the other things to achieve peace.

“Maydan” ‒ perhaps a few years ago that word would matter nothing, but not now. Now, by telling this word we wake up grievous memories… Screams, pain, blood. Lying soldier not able to fulfill the promise to return alive. All this nightmare has recorded in the memory of adults and especially children… The feeling of fear will chase them from the childhood. And watching how your dearest and the nearest, without whom you cannot imagine yourself is sending to face certain death?! Do those people who have experienced the bad things, don't really deserve to call themselves Europeans?

They want to put our cry of the soul on silent mode to remove the mention of Ukraine. But isolating Ukraine from Europe - it's just a waste of time. And sooner or later, the land will be scrolled once again on its axis, the arrow on the clock strikes twelve again and - everything will fall into place. Ukraine will be considered as a part of Europe in every corner of the Earth. And each man’s heart will be filled with hope. The hope that Ukraine would overcome everything no matter what it faced before. And now every citizen of its country has an additional reason for a little smile in his heart.

To draw the conclusion, one can say that - if your Motherland could do it then you can do it too! For these views, which my country imparted to me, for their faith in tomorrow I easily can say "I am European!"

Karina Leonidova