Anastasiia Haraieva

At only 18 years old and already wise beyond her years, Anastasiia Haraieva is carving her path in the world. Like so many before her, she and her parents left war-torn Ukraine for the United States in August 2024, seeking refuge and a more secure life.

Understandably apprehensive about beginning anew in a country foreign to her in every way, Anastasiia didn’t know how this would impact her. She had dreamed of one day becoming a nurse and was painfully aware that this dream would not reach fruition if she remained in her native country. Due to the circumstances, online classes would be her only option, something this exuberant “people person” knew would not adequately serve her. Seldom deterred by obstacles, she believed the first step in pursuing her future career and other opportunities would be to learn English – but where?

She combed the internet in search of a practical and interactive English language program that would help her navigate the unchartered territory most people who migrate to another country face, and one that would help her become part of her new Brooklyn community while acquiring fluency. She considered several options, but none really met her needs. Her older sister, who had come to the U.S. several years earlier, told her about the Kingsborough English Language Institute (KELI), which she had heard good things about from friends. Anastasiia was intrigued by this positive feedback.

“As soon as I walked into the Continuing Education department’s ESL office at Kingsborough Community College (KCC), I knew I had made the right choice. Everything I saw and heard appealed to me, from the time frame and course content to the friendly staff,” she explained.

Just a few days into the fall 2024 semester, Anastasiia felt right at home. She enjoyed sitting alongside fellow Ukrainians, as well as students from other countries, who shared similar stories in what she called “this new community of friends.”

“I really enjoyed not feeling like a stranger and being welcomed by everyone, students and teachers alike. They didn’t scare me! I knew I was part of a very special family,” she said warmly.

Furthermore, the daily English lessons and informal structure were exactly what she had hoped for.

“I appreciated the more open and interactive learning style, where students felt encouraged to ask questions and participate freely. This made me feel comfortable and optimistic.”

Aside from covering the basics of English: grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and writing, etc., the KELI program offered Anastasiia something she greatly appreciated: content that was interesting, practical, relatable, and realistic.

“What I really loved about KELI was that I was given the tools to adopt English into my everyday life, through step-by-step lessons taught by patient teachers and that I could use easily on my own to help build my identity here.”

Experiential group work, games, field trips, and films complemented her studies. But what profoundly fueled her enthusiasm for the program was something no other academic ESL course she researched offered: learning the meaning of American culture, traditions, and holidays beyond cliched symbols in the pages of textbooks and in scripted scenes on television shows. In fact, in a recent article for The Scepter, the KCC student newspaper, Anastasiia explained that for most international students, their only understanding of American holidays, particularly Thanksgiving, is the proverbial “turkey on the table.” She went on to say that the KELI program, otherwise known as ESL 70, changed this perception. She recalls with fondness one late November day in 2024, when her teacher hosted an in-class authentic Thanksgiving luncheon, replete with decorations, a long, elegantly arranged table, and traditional American dishes alongside national ones representative of her classmates’ home countries. Everyone was given an opportunity to express what they were thankful for.

“What impressed me the most,” she wrote in The Scepter, “was the atmosphere. Students laughed together and shared stories. I felt the true meaning of Thanksgiving -- gratitude, unity, and respect for each other’s cultures.”

This effervescent young woman, her blonde hair pulled back in a loose bun and blue eyes widening behind gold-rimmed glasses, credits KELI with inspiring her even further. Aside from pursuing her professional dreams and excelling academically, her teachers instilled her with confidence. Consequently, she is building a foundation of leadership by serving as vice president and managing editor of The Scepter, for which remains a contributing writer.

“The KELI program taught me English in context, not just in abstract. I loved reading and writing every day. I joined the newspaper staff to put my English skills to good use, to be part of the KCC story, and to build my connection with the larger community.”

Anastasiia continues to lead and build her future. In the winter of 2025, after only one productive and successful semester in the KELI program, she easily transitioned to a matriculated Kingsborough student and currently maintains a 4.0 GPA. Proudly fulfilling the promise she made to herself in Ukraine, she is majoring in nursing and is taking her first classes this spring.

Smiling widely, she explained, “I chose nursing because I’ve always liked medicine and science. Also, being able to make people’s lives better makes me feel happy and alive!”

What’s next for Anastasiia? Pretty much anything she puts her mind to. In the near future, she’ll be deciding which four-year college would be best to continue her nursing studies and pursue her bachelor’s degree. For now, she’s just enjoying college life and spending time with friends, some of whom she met in her KELI class.

Further reflecting on the program’s role in her success, Anastasiia offers advice to anyone seeking a rewarding ESL program. “KELI is more than a class; it’s a community. We’re taken beyond the classroom and are provided opportunities for growth, which help us become the people we want to be. It’s a place where international students find support, friendship, and a new sense of belonging.”