For the Founder’s Birthday: An Interview with Oleksandra Mashkina, a First-Year Student and Descendant of Vasyl Karazin

“My family is associated with the Word ‘Ukraine’” – Oleksandra Mashkina, a First-Year Student and Descendant of Vasyl Karazin

A student of our university, Oleksandra Mashkina, comes from the noble lineage of Vasyl Nazarovych Karazin. Her great-aunt, Larysa Deshko, authored the book "Osnova. The Karazins," which compiles articles about their family. For the first time, over 100 old photographs from the archives of the Karazin, Herashchenko, Deshko, Panasyuk, and Korovychenko families were published.

"I still remember how our family attended the book presentation almost ten years ago," Oleksandra recalls. "Each family member was given a copy with our photos at the end. All my relatives, brothers, and sisters are there."

Now, she is a first-year student majoring in Marketing. We spoke with her about her family’s history and learned more about Oleksandra herself.

You probably knew from childhood that you would enroll at Karazin University, right?

"It was definitely the first Ukrainian university I learned about. When it came time to make a final decision, I had some doubts, but I ultimately chose Kharkiv University, even though I am from Kyiv. I really like that Karazin University is well-known abroad. It proves its prestige and high level of education. I’m still not sure what profession I will pursue, but I really like the professors here. They are all pleasant people, which makes me happy. Especially considering that in school, this wasn’t always the case, but at the university, everyone understands you."

How did you learn about your ancestry?

"I was less than ten years old at the time. We would visit our relatives, and they would tell their stories. I still remember Larysa Deshko’s charming house in the traditional Ukrainian style, decorated with embroidered towels and paintings on the walls. I felt very comfortable there. You know, when I heard about our family history as a child, I didn’t fully understand it. Now I am beginning to grasp it more, but I still marvel at how all of this is even possible. I find it incredibly interesting to study and learn new things about my family, especially since my ancestor was such a significant figure in our country."

What is the Karazin lineage like? How would you describe it?

"Unfortunately, my grandmother is no longer alive, but I remember her very well, especially how we spent weekends together. I see a similarity between her and Larysa Deshko – both were delicate, gentle, and had a sense of simplicity and modesty. My grandmother loved embroidery and was a very creative person. In fact, our entire family is artistic. I personally love to paint. If we’re talking about my father’s side of the family, I associate it with comfort, even with the word ‘Ukraine’ itself! So close to the heart. Almost everyone embroiders, sings, and paints..."

What is your most vivid childhood memory?

"Unfortunately, one of the most vivid memories is my grandmother’s funeral. That was a moment when, even as a child, you start thinking about life and who this person was to you. It was a day when all our relatives put aside any past issues and truly felt like a family again."

How do you assess Vasyl Karazin’s role in Ukrainian history?

"Although I haven’t studied his personality in depth, his contribution is undeniable. It’s enormous! And our Karazin University, as his greatest legacy, is proof of that. Our university is highly renowned, has a strong reputation in Europe, and continues to raise the bar higher and higher."

Do you feel any responsibility for preserving the name of your ancestor?

"Honestly, no. I believe it doesn’t depend on me, and his achievements speak for themselves. But of course, I feel honored to study here, knowing that Vasyl Nazarovych, despite having lived long ago, is still my blood relative."

What would you wish for the university in the future?

"To continue thriving! I hope that when a foreigner asks where you study, their reaction to ‘Karazin University’ will be the same as to Harvard or Oxford!"

What is your main life rule?

"Always smile and take things with humor. It’s a better way to live than focusing on negativity. You should see everything as an interesting experience and keep moving forward."