My name is Krystyna Golovakova, and I am originally from Zhytomyr, Ukraine, where I first fell in love with languages and teaching. I received my first Master’s degree in Linguistics and Pedagogy in 1992 and spent the initial years of my career teaching at a local high school, and later at the Pharmaceutical College. I earned my second Master’s degree in Public Administration from The National Academy of State Administration in 2007.

In 2009, I moved with my family to Manila, Philippines, where I stayed for 11 years. Initially, I struggled with feeling disconnected from my home and culture, so I created new opportunities to engage with it. I would cook traditional Ukrainian foods (such as varenyky and borscht) for those who craved that familiarity as much as I did. Simultaneously, I taught Ukrainian and Russian languages at International School Manila and, eventually, at Enderun College to groups of students at various levels.

I returned to Ukraine in June 2020, following the implementation of extremely strict COVID-19 requirements in the Philippines.

I arrived in Ithaca, and the US, with my two younger children in March of 2022, seeking safety from the war in Ukraine. We chose Ithaca because my eldest daughter was already living here with her husband, a graduate student at Cornell Law School. We immediately fell in love with the beautiful expansive sky and the ever-changing foliage, both of which remind me of my home in Ukraine. I love going on walks exploring the town from Lansing to the Commons and to Cornell’s magnificent campus.

The Ukrainian language is a treasure trove of beauty and diversity. The literature, dialects and traditional folk songs are just a small sample of the cultural heritage and history of the country. As an example, one author whose work I particularly admire is Pavlo Zahrebelnyi and his novel “Roksolana”, which is a masterful look into the life and times of this powerful and complex historical figure, and showcases the unique style and lyrical use of the language. The richness and diversity of the Ukrainian language is simply incredible and I feel very passionate about teaching its beauty to others.

With the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been an increased interest in Ukrainian culture and language. Many people want to learn more about Ukraine, its history, and its people. I love seeing international recognition of the fact that while both Ukraine and Russia have significant overlap in their history, the two countries have their own distinct heritage, language, culture, and traditions. I hope that through the teaching I can help people to better understand and appreciate Ukraine and Ukrainians with the hope that when the current conflict is over, some of my students will be able to visit the country.

Email me: kg463@cornell.edu