39 years ago, a girl with black curly hair was born into a family of a teacher and a farmer.

She
has got two higher education at university, she was raising her two children alone, while her
husband was absent for months due to work or war.  that is my mother, Oksana Tymofeieva.
 From her, I learned the importance of learning languages, so now I can speak four.  From
her, I learned how to stand up for my rights no matter who is against. She instilled in me the love
of the art of traveling, meeting new people with open arms, and taking opportunities, despite the
fear. 

Still, 39 years ago, a boy, with many freckles and red hair was born in a family of a football
coach, and a chemist. He spent hours practicing and playing football every single day chasing the
only goal of becoming a varsity athlete.  he changed a couple of jobs to be confident in his
place now. Today she is a military man who defends Ukraine, not from the invasion, but from
the beginning of the war in 2014. That is my father, Denys Tymofeiev.  From him, I learned
that tears and excuses never solve your problems. From him, I learned the price of a peaceful
life, so today I am a volunteer for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. His favorite quote is "Veni, vidi,
vici"  translated to English as "came, saw, conquered".  That is how my father taught me to
live. that is how my father taught me to live.

74 years ago, a son of two was born in a small town in Volyn. His first job as a football field
cleaner was at the age of 16. That job defined his future later.  After 30 years of everyday
work, he became a football coach for a national Ukrainian Paralympic team. That is my
grandfather, Yurii Tymofeiev. From him, I learned that it is not about how you start, it is about
how you finish. He instilled in me a love for sport, and on his own example showed the
importance of discipline.

Finally me, Marharyta Tymofeieva, but people call me just Margo. I grew up during the most
dangerous time for Ukraine. The Revolution of Dignity, Maidan, and war fell on my childhood. I
was forced to leave Ukraine and move to Germany. I tried to be like my peers who became
dancers, artists, and actors. I attempted but failed to take up 4 kinds of sport, chess, coding,
photographing, beading, and dancing. After years of exploring myself, I am confident in my
identity now. Today I take every opportunity I have. Today I strive to get to know the world and
share my experiences with teens. Today I am a youth club mentor who teaches them that it isn't
about how you start, it is about how you finish. I am the reflection of the people around me. And
I became a varsity athlete, remembering my father's dream.