Bozhena Skrynnyk

Finding Myself Through Art
In my life, I have faced many difficulties and disappointments, and through these challenges, I have learned to focus on the bright side. For me, the bright side is finding beauty and joy wherever I go. Even though I have faced what other people would surely call “tragic” events, I have been able to find beauty, joy, and peace as well as a home in Pittsburgh. Education and art are two top priorities for me; it is for this reason I am studying in Point Park University.
As I said, I have faced many trials in recent years. The ongoing war in Ukraine and surrounding political environment forced me to permanently relocate to America. I remain separated from my grandmother and other relatives who remain in a dangerous environment in Ukraine. Thoughts of my family consume me at all times, and as a result I started drawing again, a particular favorite hobby from my childhood. I found the creation of art to be a much-needed distraction from some of the realities of my life. As it became clearer to me that I would be spending a longer time in America than I thought, and as my family in Ukraine entered a safer situation, art and the development of my skills capabilities went from a safe-haven to a possible future that I hadn’t considered before. I decided to seek out art where I could, looking for inspiration in my own city as well as in larger places like New York, where I spent a summer holiday picking up photography as a medium and as a forever passion.
Coming back to Pittsburgh, I leaned into my growing love for all forms of art and began to think about applications for my future. This is how I landed on graphic design. The more I learned about it, the more I felt graphic design is the perfect intersection between creativity and practicality, two things that are very important to me and my family. I am getting a degree in graphic design, which is encourage me to grow and build upon my existing skills and talent. I always want to learn and try new things, and this is where I am sure I would like to start. Pittsburgh reminds me a lot of where I lived in Ukraine. The mountains remind me of home, and the unique architecture and style of Pittsburgh serve as an inspiration for my art. Above all, I would like to get a quality education in the city that I now call home. Point Park University is the perfect place where I achieve both. That’s why I am looking for scholarships to continue my studies as a sophomore in Point Park University.