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With the start of a new academic year, I did not have enough time to finish my column in August, but getting back to school put a new perspective in my writing.

Talking to students and professors made me realize how many people actually do not understand what is happening. War in Ukraine is a well-known fact, although only a few are aware about the situation in Europe with resources and how the war affected world trade and supply chains.

Did you think how people in Ukraine will survive through winter with limited access to heat, gas and electricity? How people in the European Union will live when Switzerland considers jailing people who heat rooms above 19 C? Food issues is a whole different question as Ukraine is one of the biggest world exporters of grain and wheat.

Read more Ukraine conflict gives seasonal Cape Breton landmark new significance Cape Breton man collects equipment, donations bound for war-torn Ukraine

Ukraine conflict gives seasonal Cape Breton landmark new significance

Cape Breton man collects equipment, donations bound for war-torn Ukraine

I was surprised because, in my opinion, students must keep an eye on world news, but it turns out most of them don’t. I realized that after a professor in one of my marketing classes asked students about the consequences of the war and no one could give a distinct answer. That also made me question what other people in Canada know and think about Ukraine.

Locals in Sydney were always helpful and friendly to me. Cape Breton University faculty, my work colleagues and friends are very supportive. You can still see Ukrainian flags around town, but I do not know if any of those people actually care or are just following the trend. I want to believe that they did something more than putting a flag outside their house, because support is not only stating your opinion but also taking action.

Another thing that I recently noticed is I am getting mixed reactions from my classmates after I tell them where I am from. Not that I am expecting something or bragging about my nationality. However, people became very cautious and usually just say something that social norms dictate to say to a person whose family lives in bombed and occupied cities. Nothing wrong with that because (thank God) no one normally deals with war in their life.

What is wrong is that there is no thought or concern behind those words. Saying something you do not believe in does not make you a better person. If you do not care – do not say anything. That is your right and your choice. After all, if you want to help, know more, support – say it as it is.

I am very happy when people ask me about Ukraine. Ukrainian nationals remain the most reliable source of facts because the war is the reality of our lives and lives of our families and friends. However, sometimes I am surprised about the type of questions I get: “Is the war not over yet?" “But it is not a big deal, right?” “Are people seriously sleeping in shelters?”

The war is not over, it is not a one-day thing. Our territories are still occupied and the whole country is bombed. Yes, people still live in shelters because a lot of them lost everything including houses, money and family.

The other thing is immigration related institutions. Since Feb. 24, I am actively talking about the war, but no matter how loud I am I cannot reach the people who had to understand that in the first place. There are several organizations that provide support for immigrants, newcomers and international students. They are promoting how they help people new to the country in any possible way and are very successful in that as the number of immigrants is growing.

Unfortunately, what happens more often than we wish, is that they just create a vision of doing something. I have no doubt that they do help, but they are not performing as they preach. Inconsistent communication, vague promises or bare minimum of required effort – that is what you face when asking for their help. If you are reading this article and you work or are related to the immigration procedures, I had no intention to offend, undermine or complain. Rather to give feedback loud enough that it will not be lost in the email or not heard over the phone.

The point of this column is that big headlines require big actions. No one cares what you say until you do that. Simple as that. However, I will question common sense of people who think the opposite. I might be completely wrong and some would look at my article as I am complaining. I am not. I just have the courage to write it as I see it.

- Dariia Pasko is a 19-year-old Ukrainian national who left everything behind and came to Canada a year ago to study at Cape Breton University. She is in her third year of a bachelor of business administration degree with a major in marketing.

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