Bohdan Koshchavets '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Bohdan Koshchavets, I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, on 15th of July, 2005.

On 24th of February 2022, a full-scale invasion took place by Russia on my country. The educational system was immediately stopped because of hostility; my family and I had no internet network, electricity, water and food, depriving us of the opportunity of both an education and to live normally. These dangerous conditions forced us to live in the basement of our home; we were just trying to survive. I was looking for opportunities for me to leave the country and we found the scheme “Homes for Ukraine”. I moved to the UK on my own (aged 16). My parents, being pharmacists, needed to help soldiers, local people and the country as a whole, so decided to stay behind in Kyiv. The war completely changed my life. I was forced to leave my friends, family and home.

Having been given a bursary to St Edward's (Cheltenham), my host family and teachers have encouraged me to pursue the highest levels of education. The sudden transfer for me from Ukraine to the UK has solidified in me the need for and importance of studying Economics. My interest in macroeconomic strategies, such as exchange rate manipulation, fiscal policy, control of the rate of inflation and economic growth, has been applied to the war effort and I would like to be involved in international decision making in the future.

My A-levels are Further Math, Math and Economics. In less than a year of studying in the UK I proved to the teachers that I deserve to be predicted A*A*A* in my subjects. Having studied Economics for just a few weeks in England I have covered the AS syllabus and have been chosen to represent my school for the World Economics Cup; this requires fast reasoning and logical deduction in a competitive environment, on which I thrive. In Maths I was entered for the IMO Kangaroo Round and I enjoy mathematical questions which involved methodical and lateral thinking.

Under the circumstances of the war, I have been reading the news on TSN and '1 plus 1' regularly to be aware of current events so that I can consider ways to rebuild and restore my country. When I was still in Ukraine, I had the opportunity to connect with BBC reporters in Kyiv, telling everyone the truth about domestic economic and political issues as a first-hand witness. I follow the 'Ukraine at War' series in The Economist to ensure that I have an objective view.

'Poor Economics' by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo provided a gripping, in-depth insight into the world of economics, focusing my mind on the problem of poverty across the whole planet. This view represented the possible way of reducing level of unemployment by giving people the incentive to work and to earn money. It also explored the issues surrounding the problem of the poverty trap and how to solve it. People are not fighting starvation so much as lack of development opportunities such as health and education accessibility.

In my selective specialist Maths school in Kyiv, I represented my region in intra-national Maths tournaments. I was honoured as the best student in the school for Trigonometry. I had many subjects taught in English, which opened the door for me to speak this language fluently. One of my favourite courses was 'Around the World in English', where I could enquire about population density, climate change and other political, historical and economic distinguishing features of different cultures. Originally, I had intended to study Maths at the Kyiv National university of Taras Shevchenko, which is considered to be the best in the country. I finished Lyceum 'Intellect' with the best final grades and honours, achieving diplomas in Geometry, Business in English and Sports awarded by the director.

Whilst living in Ukraine, I was playing sport professionally since I was 6, taking part in the Youth Premier Football League of Ukraine. My team (Arsenal Kyiv) won the Kyiv Football Championship 2018-20 twice. Furthermore, I was recognised as the best football player in the region. I am right footed and my position is left or right wing/central attacking midfielder. Also I attached a brief video file about my football abilities. As a ballroom dancer I gained a first-class national certificate

Moving and finding refugee status in the UK has not only helped me to discover the world, but change my personal goals. With every day here, I am motivated by seeing the problems facing my country, Ukraine, and how we can come back from this situation. I am motivated to solve economic and political problems: I want to question management techniques and policies in today's turmoil. Through my deeper understanding I want to be equipped to become one who can change the world.

I am planning to continue my education in America and therefore I am kindly asking you to help me and to receive a full scholarship and financial help. I am looking forward to joining university and contributing to the life of your prestigious educational institution, including sports development and societal clubs. Through my knowledge and football abilities, I want to be equipped to become one who can change the world.

My references:

1. 1)  Phone: +447391162973

2. 2)  Email: [email protected]

Bohdan Koshchavets.