JTC 26: A War in Her Home Country Forced a New Journey

As Krystyna Burenok makes her way across the University of Mississippi campus for class, it is not unusual for her to stop several times along the way, getting caught in conversation, exchanging quick hellos or checking in with friends.  

"I think the turning point came when I realized I couldn't walk across campus between classes without stopping to talk to at least 10 people along the way," she said. "For someone who once arrived here not knowing exactly how everything would work out, that feeling meant a lot." 

The 20-year-old native of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, graduates in May with a bachelor's degree in finance on a pre-law track. Her path to this moment began long before she ever stepped foot in Oxford. 

Burenok was just 16 when she moved to the Lee County town of Saltillo as an exchange student. Thousands of miles from home, she faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture, language and education system. At Saltillo High School, she learned how to navigate both academics and everyday life in an unfamiliar small-town environment. 

What began as an exchange experience soon became much more permanent after she graduated from high school. As a participant in the Future Leaders Exchange Program, Burenok was able to stay in the United States as a high schooler. As war unfolded in Ukraine, she applied for Temporary Protected Status once returning home was no longer an option. 

At the same time, she was trying to figure out how to continue her education. 

"I knew I wanted to pursue higher education in the United States, but I had no clear road map for how to make that happen," Burenok said. "At that age, I didn't understand the American college system, how applications worked, where I would live, how I would support myself or what college life would even look like." 

She learned how to adapt quickly, stay disciplined and think ahead. Drawn to numbers and the inner workings of business, she became interested in finance and how decisions made in the present can shape long-term outcomes. 

She enrolled at Itawamba Community College for two years, earning an associate degree in theater before transferring to Ole Miss. When she arrived in Oxford, she was looking for more than just a degree. 

"I was searching for more than just a university," she said. "I was looking for a place where I could grow both academically and personally." 

From her first visit, she saw that potential in the School of Business Administration, recognizing not only strong academics but also opportunities for leadership and connection. She trusted the process and leaned on her faith, believing she was meant to be where she was. 

Once on campus, Burenok approached her college experience with intention. She became involved in organizations such as Women in Business, the Finance Club and the Gorove International Law Society, and participated in the Luckyday Scholars Program and the Chancellor's Leadership Class.  

Through those experiences, she built relationships and found a strong sense of community. 

Her peers quickly took notice of her consistency and work ethic. Ava Rosetti, president of Women in Business, called her "a reliable and committed member."  

Andrew McDonough, Finance Club president, also praised her curiosity and engagement, 

"Krystyna is very inquisitive and has been an amazing addition to the Finance Club, and she has a bright future ahead of her," he said. 

One of the most fulfilling experiences during Burenok's time at the university came through Ole Miss Sports Productions.  

Starting with no previous experience, she learned how to operate cameras and manage video board production during live athletics events. The fast-paced environment required her to think quickly, work as part of a team and adapt in real time. 

Jimmy Dickerson, senior director of live productions, praised her performance.  

"Krystyna is an amazing student worker for our team," he said. "She is willing to help out at any time, jump in on any position and brings a positive attitude every time she works an event.  

"She is one of the best student workers I have ever had working for me and I know she will have a successful life and career ahead of her."  

In the classroom, Burenok found mentors who helped shape her confidence and direction. She ​​credits Fred Dewald, instructional assistant professor of finance, as one of the most influential figures in her academic journey. 

"I have never met a professor more passionate about the subject he teaches," she said. "He consistently believed in me as a student and reassured me that I could grow and succeed in this field." 

Dewald gave Burenok high marks for performance and enthusiasm in the classroom. 

"The thing that has impressed me since the day I met her is that she is more concerned with obtaining knowledge than she is chasing grades, and her story from Ukraine to Ole Miss is inspiring," he said. "She's lived a lot of life at a young age. She is a special student and I'm certain she will be very successful in her professional career." 

Through courses such as Advanced Investment Analytics, she gained hands-on experience that strengthened both her technical knowledge and her ability to communicate complex ideas. 

Reflecting on the past two years, it is not just her accomplishments that stand out, but the relationships she built along the way. 

"When I look back at my time at Ole Miss, what has defined it most is the impact my story and my actions may have had on others," she said. 

Burenok is the first in her family to graduate from an American university, so Commencement carries deep personal meaning. 

Looking ahead, she plans to begin her career in finance, focusing on investments, while continuing to be involved in the sports and creative communities that have shaped her interests. She also hopes to mentor young people who face challenges similar to her own, offering guidance as they navigate their own paths. 

As Commencement approaches, she has taken time to reflect on everything that brought her to this point. 

"It's in that quiet reflection that I see the full picture of my journey," she said. 

Top: Krystyna Burenok, a finance senior from Kharkiv, Ukraine, built a strong sense of community at Ole Miss through campus involvement, academic dedication and her work with Ole Miss Sports Productions after overcoming the challenges of adapting to a new country and education system. Photo by Hunt Mercier/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services