'I fled Ukraine speaking basic English - now I'm off to Oxford University'

Illia Mitiushnikov, a 15-year-old boy, had to leave his home in Ukraine when the war started. He and his mother fled to Wales in May 2022, and now he is about to start a new chapter in his life at the University of Oxford. This prestigious university has a long history of educating many influential leaders, including five former British prime ministers. Illia will be studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, a program that has produced many notable alumni, such as Tony Benn and Bill Clinton. Illia is proud of his accomplishments, especially since he arrived in the UK with limited English skills. Before moving to Wales, Illia lived in Vinnytsia, a city in central Ukraine, with his parents and their beloved cocker spaniel, Simba. When they decided to leave their home, they packed their bags and embarked on a challenging journey. They traveled by train to Poland, then took a flight to London, and finally a bus to Cardiff, where they were welcomed by a host family. Illia recalls that the journey was both emotionally and physically exhausting. However, he felt immense gratitude towards the family that took them in, as it can be quite stressful to meet new people and stay in their home. Illia's host family encouraged him to apply to Westbourne School, an independent school in Penarth, which offered him a free place through its refugee scholarship program. At Westbourne, Illia excelled in his studies, achieving an impressive 10 A* grades in his GCSEs. He then transitioned to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme instead of the traditional A-Levels. Illia's dream of attending Oxford began to take shape after a visit to the city, where he felt inspired by its beauty and history. His ambition grew stronger during a work experience at a bank in London, where he spoke with graduates and realized that he could pursue his goals. Initially, Illia had doubts about whether he could achieve his dream. He thought to himself, 'It's too much for me,' but then he reminded himself that if others could succeed, so could he. The struggles faced by people in Ukraine motivated him to work harder. He said, 'I can't let myself have a lot of rest because I know how people are feeling in Ukraine. ' Illia's determination to succeed became a new goal for him, and he felt he had no other choice but to strive for it. The day he received his acceptance letter to Oxford was emotional, and he immediately called his family, who were overjoyed and cried tears of happiness. Illia is grateful for the support he has received from his host family and teachers. He looks forward to receiving an excellent education at St Hilda's College, Oxford, and making new friends. His future plans include working in banking to help stabilize his life and support his family. However, he also has aspirations of entering politics, where he hopes to make a difference in the world. Illia wants to help nations develop and resolve international crises, such as the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. He hopes for a peaceful resolution to the war but recognizes that there are many other conflicts that need attention. Illia's story is a testament to resilience and determination, and many people are proud of his achievements. Marie de Tito Mount, the global chief executive for Westbourne, expressed her pride in Illia's journey, stating that he has seized opportunities and made the most of them. Illia's success serves as an inspiration to others, showing that with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background.