NEW YORK (AP) — Mariia Vainshtein slept soundly through a horrific night four years ago, unaware of the chaos unfolding around her.
When she woke up the next morning, she realized her phone was likely confiscated by her parents due to some typical teenage mischief, leaving her unable to check the news. Instead, she casually asked her mother for a ride to school.
Anzhelika Kotliantseva was well aware that they wouldn’t be going to school that day. After hours of listening to the booming explosions as Russia initiated its invasion, she explained the dire situation to her daughter.
“My mom said, ‘What do you mean? We’re at war! There’s no school, no anything!’” recounted Vainshtein.
Within days, her dream of pursuing education in the U.S. became urgent reality, one she hadn’t prepared for. Struggling with English and missing her father, Vainshtein faced challenges as she navigated her new school environment.
Tennis: A Path to Personal Growth
At 17, Vainshtein is now a champion tennis player at James Madison High School in Brooklyn, leading the team to their first championship since 1978. She also excelled individually, winning the Mayor Dinkins Cup last summer.
Coming from Odesa, which boasts notable tennis players like Elina Svitolina and Dayana Yastremska, Vainshtein was introduced to tennis at age 5 primarily for therapeutic reasons. A doctor advised her parents to engage her in a sport to aid her focus.
Adapting to Change
Her family fled Ukraine when Russia began its attacks, first seeking safety in a bomb shelter and then escaping to Moldova. Ultimately, they relocated to New York, leaving her father behind, as men were restricted from leaving the country.
“In three days, we made the decision to move, leaving my husband behind in Ukraine. We had no idea when we’d see him again,” Kotliantseva reflected.
Struggles in a New Land
After settling in, Vainshtein faced difficulties adjusting to school, as the English curriculum she studied in Ukraine focused more on writing than conversational skills. She often begged her teachers not to call on her, fearing ridicule.
“People would say, ‘Learn English or go back to your country.’ But how can I return when my country is at war?” she exclaimed.
Finding Confidence
A significant turning point came when a teacher denied her request for translation assistance. This challenge motivated her to enhance her speaking skills, eventually leading to her increased participation in class discussions.
Despite facing setbacks in her senior year, Vainshtein remains ambitious, participating in competitions like “We the People,” which involves demonstrating knowledge of the Constitution. She continues to commute for tennis practice each week.
Looking Ahead
Vainshtein is considering several Ivy League schools for college, unsure whether she will play tennis at the collegiate level. However, she remains determined to keep playing regardless of her school’s team status.
“Even if I don’t join a team, I’m dedicated to playing tennis. It’s a part of who I am,” Vainshtein affirmed.
