Всечесніші отці, члени Фундації Отця Жана, шановні гості, дорогі стипендіяти!
Для мене велика честь бути запрошеним на звернення від імені всіх студентів.
Мені надзвичайно приємно бути в компанії групи таких відданих та працьовитих студентів з різних шкіл і ділянок науки. Нас єднає не лише прагнення до навчальних досягнень, але й наше українське коріння та участь в українській громаді Монтреаля. Завдяки різним заходам, таким як Українська школа, церква, Пласт, СУМ, народні танці, ми вчимося про нашу культуру та історію і пізнаємо добрих друзів. У час продовженої війни особливо важливим є підтримувати нашу мову та традиції, а також ділитися нашим знанням з друзями інших національностей.
The journey toward educational achievement is not without challenges. Making a lifelong career choice can be daunting for a high school or CEGEP student. Today, students face more pressure in an increasingly competitive world. Concerns about artificial intelligence and how it affects critical thinking, limits creativity, and even has the potential to reshape the world of academia can leave students questioning a career choice they are passionate about and whether that choice may potentially be at risk.
Studying abroad or in a different province is also an adjustment when you are used to the comforts of home. Then there are the more obvious choices, such as whether to go out with friends or study for an exam. The answer may seem straightforward, but as students, sacrificing that human contact with friends is not always easy. However, tonight’s award recipients are proof that perseverance is an opportunity for growth and achievement.
Upon reflecting on the importance of this evening, I found myself wondering what I would ask Father Jean if he were alive today.
There would be so much to ask a man—a non-Ukrainian who dedicated his life to the Ukrainian community and its people, both in Ukraine and throughout the diaspora, even working as a military chaplain in the army. I would be most curious to ask how a French priest, originally from Rimouski, Québec, found the internal strength and confidence to learn the Ukrainian language, study the Eastern Church rite in Ukraine, and cross the ocean to help Ukrainian refugees as well as new immigrants settling in Canada.
He showed incredible strength of character, faith in God, and perseverance in pursuing his own very distinct and unique path.
On a personal note, my grandmother, Emilia Turko, who could not be here due to declining health, was christened by Father Josaphat Jean in 1931 at церкві Святого Михаїла. She recently told me how her parents marvelled at the fact: «Що священик французького походження так гарно говорив українською і відправив хрестини».
His determination in the face of the many challenges before him is an inspiration to all of us: not to be intimidated by uncertainty and not to be afraid of following our dreams.
As a medical student, I can confidently say that my education is a precious gift because, in addition to teaching me dedication and compassion, it has also instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude.
While working with patients across various levels of the health spectrum, I have interacted with and helped treat some of the most vulnerable people, including unhoused individuals, people with substance-use disorders, and cancer patients, to name a few.
It is an important reminder for us to be aware of our privilege. We are privileged to have safe, warm homes, families who love and care for us, good health, and the means to pursue an education. Not everyone is as fortunate, but we are all human beings who deserve dignity, respect, and compassion, no matter our background or life story.
It is also a reminder of how fortunate we are to wake up each morning and see the sunlight—except during exam time—and to be able to do the things we often take for granted. Having the power to help others in need, whether through medical knowledge or supportive words, is a great gift with which we should be generous.
This reminder would not be complete if I did not also address the importance of looking after our environment and this beautiful Earth on which we live. The health of our planet has a direct impact on our own physical and mental well-being.
Vu que l’on parle de gratitude, au nom de tous mes collègues étudiants présents ici ce soir, je voudrais remercier tous ceux qui rendent possible notre cheminement académique. Avant tout, nos parents pour leurs encouragements et leur soutien, nos sœurs, nos frères, nos professeurs et parfois même nos amis à quatre pattes, qui nous réconfortent dans les moments difficiles. Merci à mon chat de 18 ans, Tsukor!
In closing, we have the ability and the skills to make a difference in the world, whatever career path we choose. Find some time in your busy lives to give back to our Ukrainian community, especially now, when Putin is trying to erase our history, destroying our churches, and abducting Ukrainian children in an attempt to erase their Ukrainian identity. By doing so, you will help keep Ukrainian culture alive.
Je voudrais remercier les membres de la Fondation pour leur dévouement à poursuivre la mission du Père Josaphat Jean.
A sincere thank you, on behalf of all students, to the members of the Foundation and to all the generous donors who make these scholarship awards and this beautiful evening possible.
