Weltschau

Every time a blackout occurs, we seem to find ourselves in a different reality—quiet, cold, and unfriendly. And it is in this darkness that we, Ukrainian students, have to continue our studies. Despite the lights out, weak internet, and broken relationships, we prove to ourselves and others every day: even in the most difficult conditions, you cannot stop.

The blackout taught us many things. The first is to appreciate light. What once seemed like a routine has now become a luxury. Studying during power outages has become more than just a challenge—it has become a test of our perseverance, strength of spirit, and faith in the future.

Online couples during blackouts are a different story. It is not always possible to get to classes on time; sometimes the connection is lost at the most important moments. In these moments, you feel as if you are cut off from the world—the darkness outside the window and the darkness inside the room merge into one. But even then we continue to fight for our studies.

After another shelling by Russia, the blackout schedules are intensifying again—there is less light. But despite this, we do not give up. We continue to adapt, look for alternatives, and stick to each other and our goal.

Each of us is looking for a way out, in our own way. Someone runs to the nearest cafe, where the generator is humming. Someone arranges consultations with teachers, sends work later, and makes up for topics at night when there is light. We study not only according to the university program—we learn to live in unpredictability and adapt quickly.

And when couples go in person, within the walls of the university, it becomes somehow easier. Even if there is no light there, the presence of people nearby is energizing. We can discuss tasks, joke, and get distracted. Togetherness makes us stronger.

We are tired, exhausted, and sometimes confused, but we still move forward. We are the generation that learns despite everything. We are the future of a country that has endured and continues to fight.

The blackout will not break us. It will only harden us. And when the light comes back on, we will not be just students—we will be young people who already know: even from the thickest darkness, a way out can be found.

A student of the Journalism Department at V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University