Rusalka is the Ukrainian word for mermaid. This poem is dedicated to one of the special rusalkas in my life.
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Vera Sirota
(she/her) Mentor
Vera Sirota is a freelance writer, poet, and teacher. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science. Vera earned a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Brooklyn College. She was a tenured NYC public school teacher and teaching artist specializing in writing instruction. She wrote her master’s thesis about using photography as a writing tool for English Language Learners. Vera was raised in a bilingual and bicultural home as the granddaughter of Ukrainian immigrants. Vera proudly serves as a mentor for Girls Write Now to support the next generation of writers and leaders.
Favorite Genres/Mediums
Favorite Authors & Artists
Lucille Clifton, Women of the Beat Generation, Ksenia Rychtycka (who is also my aunt!)
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Thank You, Dr. Mary Beck: Meet the Trailblazing Ukrainian American Councilwoman Who Saved My Family
More than 4.6 million refugees have fled Ukraine with the onslaught of Putin’s brutal invasion. More than 70 years ago, my Dido (Grandfather) Osyp, Babtsia (Grandmother) Maria, and Teta (Aunt) Helen escaped Ukraine too, thanks to the heroic efforts of a Ukrainian-American woman named Mary (Marusia) Beck.