Marina shishkina biography
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Marina believes that it is important for women to have an education and take care of themselves, regardless of their partner's financial status. Marina and Roman have a strong relationship and often seek advice from Marina's father.
On Feb. 24, the Ukrainian Club, led by Marina Shishkina ’25 and Ivan Dudiak HMC ’26, hosted a vigil to commemorate three years since the beginning of the war, which also featured a talk by Shishkina who shared a moving narrative about her experiences during the war and her connection to Ukraine.
“When I was 16, chasing the American dream, my mom and I moved to New York City so I could attend art school, pursue my passion, and ultimately end up at Scripps College,” said Shishkina in her opening statement.
All the while, operating amidst 16 hour power outages, limited electrical resources, ongoing missile attacks, and harsh environmental conditions. I know no other nation so dedicated to rebuilding and reshaping its future.”
As Ukraine continues to tirelessly fight for its sovereignty and push back against Russian forces, Shishkina noted how the war is not limited to the battlefield but is largely determined by global politics.
Although each day presented inconceivable challenges, there is one memory in particular that Shishkina recounts as, “one of the most harrowing experiences,” of her summer. This initiative speaks to Shishkina’s whole-hearted embodiment of what she dubs ‘Ukrainian qualities.’
“My friends always tell me, Marina, if you say you’ll get something done, I have not a single doubt you will, and I always smile because I know that isn’t really my quality, it’s a Ukrainian quality,” she said.
War is ongoing, evolving, and changing every minute. Marina's father is a lieutenant general, and she credits her upbringing for instilling in her the importance of education and independence. “At least 42 civilians, including five children, died and over 90 injured. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country, Ukrainian students have banded together to mourn, memorialize, and mobilize against the erasure of their culture, language, and home.
“It is important for me to share the story of Ukraine because it is not just about Ukraine,” she said. My friend lost his home.
Informed by Ukrainian journalist, Anastasiia Lapatina’s, perspective on Hegseth’s statement, Shishkina pointed out that, “just like that, in one speech, Hegseth seemed to give away much of American leverage, spreading panic around Ukraine and the rest of Europe, as well as rewarding the Kremlin with a huge win.”
Shishkina further explained how Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskzy’s, reaction to this news honed in on the drastic implications of the Donald Trump administration’s collaboration with Russian president, Vladimir Putin, regarding forthcoming negotiations about the future of Ukraine.
“In an interview hours before the Trump-Putin call, Zelensky told the economists, imagine that Hitler was not destroyed, imagine that after everything he did to the Jews, people said, okay, let’s look for a compromise,” she said.
“It reflects the reality of many people living through war, tragedy, and ongoing struggle. Seeking compromise with an aggressor does not bring peace. Surrounding Claremont, there are communities that also need attention from 5C students. “In forty eight hours, Trump and his team have shattered America’s standing in negotiations with Russia, endangering Ukraine and Europe.”
On Feb.
12, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced during a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting that Ukraine’s bid for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership and the expectation that Ukrainian land be returned to its pre-2014 borders were unrealistic.
“This already was a very tough pill to swallow for many Ukrainians,” said Shishkina.
What matters most is recognizing that change begins with awareness of your local community.