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22 WWW.UNWLA.ORG “НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, ВЕРЕСЕНЬ 2014 about the convention, so I asked them to submit their reflections in writing. Below are their replies: Reflections on the XXX UNWLA Convention Sarah Uschak: I chose to attend the Convention for the first time this year as a way to “jump start” my ac- tive involvement within the UNWLA. A non-active member of three years, I was determined to net- work with and be inspired by leading Ukrainian women from across the United States. What I dis- covered—from observing the formal business pro- ceedings and conversing with many different la- dies—was that same communal spirit that had in- spired me to join the UNWLA in the first place. I am excited to emphasize that focus on community and fun in my future involvement in the activities of Branch 118 in Houston. Hannah Uschak-Cruz: As a first-time attendee of the UNWLA Na- tional Convention, I really was not sure what to expect. In February, during one of Branch 118 meetings, my aunt and Branch President, Martha Noukas, said: “It is a life-changing experience. You will come back a different woman.” Intrigued by her comment and by the stories of those who had previously attended, I decided that perhaps this was what I needed—a life-changing event. Perhaps this was an event where I could network and meet other strong Ukrainian women. I packed my bag, said goodbye to my son and husband, and awaited a change that was deemed as inevitable. At the Convention I enjoyed the consistent use of the Ukrainian language, the beautifully em- broidered blouses that were proudly worn, the church service where voices from all over the Unit- ed States united in harmony, the very relevant and relatable topics, the heartfelt anguish and hope for a newly revitalized Ukraine, the elation of the group as the results of the Ukrainian presidential elections were shared, the singers and musicians who performed beautifully, the humorous theatri- cal production, and, of course... the vendors. I spent way too much money that weekend on things I ‘just had to have.’ Through it all, the one thing that remained a constant was the unity of my immediate group of fellow attendees. I journeyed with my younger and older sister, my cousin, and my aunt. I believe that we grew closer together as a group through this experience... and that alone was well worth the time, money, and effort of attending the Conven- tion. Perhaps my life-changing event was not so much the Convention itself as the closeness that being with my group-mates provided and the free- dom from our “regular” lives that it offered. A va- cation with a purpose... but still a wonderful vaca- tion! As a member of the UNWLA, sometimes just being with other like-minded women is all that I, or we as a society, need—to be aware of this need and to give ourselves the freedom to support others who have gone through similar trials and tribula- tions. As I reflect upon the 2014 UNWLA Conven- tion, I am forever mindful of not only the unity of Ukrainian women and the richness that our culture provides but also the unity of ALL women repre- senting ALL cultural backgrounds. As a society, we should support each other throughout our strug- gles and successes in life and learn about each oth- er in the midst of our very real differences. Juliana Noukas: My favorite thing about attending the UNWLA Convention this year was getting to meet so many fascinating Ukrainian and Ukrainian- American women. For example, it was an honor for me to meet pani Iryna Kurowyckyj. Pani Kurowyc- kyj not only served as UNWLA President for nine years, but was also a United Nations NGO repre- sentative for the World Movement of Mothers and the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Or- ganizations. She is currently a Liaison Officer with the UN for the International Council of Women. It was interesting and inspiring to hear her stories about a lifetime of campaigning for women's rights. It is because of activists like pani Iryna that so many young women today have the opportuni- ties that they do. She is full of dignity and passion and instills motivation in everyone with whom she speaks. It was so wonderful to meet you, pani Iryna! Mary Uschak Sheehey: It was inspiring to join my family members in attending the XXX UNWLA Convention. Rarely have I been surrounded by so many dedicated and strong women. It makes me proud to be Ukraini- an-American. As a result of this Convention, I have met the officers of the UNWLA Branch 75 and joined their Branch. I am excited to be a part of the Branch Christening on September 21st and look forward to volunteering with them on various charitable projects. The guest speaker Gennadiy Fuzaylov's presentation moved me deeply and I hope that my branch will be able to help him. Thanks again to all the women who partic- ipated in putting together this wonderful experi- ence for all of us!
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