Yuki with a group at the Refugee Center in Poland where he served this past summer./ provided by Yuki Funakoshi Her father had to stay in Ukraine because of the mandate that bans Ukrainian men 18-60 years old from leaving the country. They had to travel through Poland to reach Lithuania. While they were traveling, a family in Poland gave them food. Their friends also helped them find the cheapest route to Lithuania by bus because it's expensive to travel directly from Ukraine to Lithuania. "I think I trust God more than I trusted him before because I saw a lot and I was like, 'Wow, God, thank you,"' Berss said. Berss said that, as the war went on and Ukraine did better than expected, she was encouraged and her perspective began to become positive. During the summer, Berss realized how strong her country was and how it could successfully fight back against R'ussia. "It's not easy," she said. "But we do believe that we will have a victory Because we have this bravery in our hearts." Micnae! C/everlev is a senior journalism ma1or with Asian sludies and intercuiturai communication minors and a wnler for Cedars. When not studying or working on a story for Cedars he ii,l(es lo wnte, .:<nit and hanq out with friends. Fall 2022 Alisa Berss and family members (left to right) her father, her brother, her mother./ provided by Alisa Berss cm,u 21
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