Liliia Kunitska

I was born in Tokmak, in south-central Ukraine. My mother, grandparents, uncle, and I moved to the West when I was five, and we settled in a small town called Zbarazh. There, we enjoyed the mild winters and long summers, raising animals and growing many fruits and vegetables. 

In our free time, we took advantage of the nearby natural parks, markets, and the local castle. On occasion, we would visit the sea or the mountains. When war broke out in my homeland, my mother and I made the decision to pursue our next chapter in the safety of Alberta, Canada. 

We settled in Oyen just before the start of Grade 9. South Central High School came with its own set of challenges, not the least of which is the fact that they teach everything in English. I was fortunate to have some understanding educators and make a great group of friends. My friends and the community introduced me to farming and ranch life, which I have come to enjoy. 

Mom and Jason are strong supporters of my passion for all things art, including painting, sculpting, film, fashion, and design. We also spend as much time as we can with our family dog, Hardy. We have had the opportunity to travel to various cities and the mountains, as well as spend time with Jason’s family in Ontario. 

Moving forward, I hope to pursue post-secondary studies in a creative field.