My name is Anastasiia, a 19-year-old Ukrainian student with a deep passion for diplomacy, cultural exchange, and conflict resolution. From a young age, I have been driven by a desire to resolve conflicts and promote harmony, whether it was mediating disputes among children in kindergarten or advocating for collaborative solutions in my community. These early experiences shaped my belief in the power of diplomacy as a tool for positive change. Currently, I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international relations at Lviv Polytechnic National University, where I have completed my second year. My academic journey has been enriched by my participation in Erasmus+ exchange programs, which have allowed me to explore diverse cultures and develop my skills in diplomacy and cross-cultural collaboration. In February 2024, I participated in the “Every Bite of Food Matters” Erasmus+ project in Riga, Latvia, where I collaborated with teams from Ukraine, Turkey, Lithuania, Latvia, and Romania to address the issue of food waste. This experience introduced me to like-minded individuals and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity. My second Erasmus+ project, “Digital Youth in the Digital Era,” held in Kayseri, Turkey, further solidified my passion for diplomacy. Over twelve days, I worked with participants from Ireland, North Macedonia, Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, and Ukraine, exploring digital tools and EU initiatives for youth development. This project opened new horizons for me and reinforced my commitment to fostering international collaboration. In May 2024, I volunteered at the Lviv Media Forum, where I had the privilege of meeting Marie-Doha Besancenot, Assistant Secretary General of NATO for Public Diplomacy, and Oleksandra Matviychuk, a Nobel Prize-winning human rights defender. Their dedication to public diplomacy and human rights inspired me to continue pursuing a career in this field. This summer, I am immersing myself in American culture to gain firsthand experience of Western diplomacy and cultural exchange practices. This journey reaffirms my childhood fascination with exploring new cultures and fuels my desire to build a career in mediation and diplomacy. Volunteering with Universal Youth Alliance aligns with my mission to promote cultural understanding, youth empowerment, and collaborative solutions. I am excited to bring my passion for diplomacy, leadership skills, and international experience to support initiatives that inspire and uplift communities globally.