Successful and Independent by FOBERINI: Vasylysa Stepanenko

1. You have been working in journalism since 2018 and have already made a significant contribution to the development and recognition of Ukrainian journalism. Do you remember the moment when you decided to connect your life with this field?

In 2018, I started studying at the Kharkiv State Academy of Culture and, at the same time, began working for the local newspaper "KHARKIV POST." A little later, I became a TV reporter. Even in school, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. I wanted a profession that was both intellectual and creative and had the power to change the world for the better. I loved communicating with people and writing. And, of course, for me, that field was journalism. I think the moment I realized I would dedicate my life to it was when I was already working at a local TV station. I felt like I wasn't succeeding at anything. I remember I already liked working on important social issues that no one else wanted to tackle because they were emotionally difficult. But that didn't scare me. I wanted to help people and open the eyes of those around me to various social problems that usually go unnoticed. The moment came when I attended an event dedicated to children with a rare disease — Duchenne muscular dystrophy. There were almost no journalists there. I heard children with a terminal illness who couldn't get treatment or funding in Ukraine talk about their dreams. Their biggest dream was to ride a bicycle. People with this disease lose muscle function by the age of twenty, so even in their teenage years, they can't sit and ride a bike; they can't even walk. It struck me that I had never known about this disease before. I wanted to tell more important stories to the world and the people around me. That was when I realized I would definitely tie my life to journalism.

2. 2023. The Pulitzer Prize. One of the most prestigious awards in journalism. Has your perception of your work changed after recognition at such a high level?

I never even dreamed of this award, as I worked in local news. When the full-scale war began, I realized I would do everything to show it to the world and give people a voice. And, of course, all the work I do is not for awards or recognition. It is for people. But receiving the Pulitzer Prize was and is a huge support for me because it is the trust of people. People trust us; they read our news and follow our work. It is incredibly important to have such trust, especially from the highest jury in the world. And, of course, it helps to draw attention to stories, to Ukraine, and to Ukrainians, and that means a lot to me. So, probably, my perception of my work hasn't changed. I continue to work just the same and don't want to stop. It only provided more inspiration and faith in myself.

3. How do you find a balance between personal life and professional duties today, in times of war?

The question about personal life made me smile a lot. Honestly, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, I have had almost no time for personal life because I was constantly working, and work became my entire life. I almost lost contact with all my friends and family because I was only focused on work. Now, I am trying to find more time to spend with my loved ones and friends and give myself more time for things I enjoy. For example, when I have time between trips or can stay longer in Kyiv, I often take care of myself and can relax – go for a massage, watch a movie, take a walk, or buy something new (I love cosmetics). Putting on a dress, dressing up, and doing a photo shoot – I love that too, as I used to work as a model. This is what brings me back to the taste of life, and I start feeling everything again. I also have a boyfriend whom I love very much. We haven't been together for long, but the war and shared pain brought us together. Every time I spend time with him, I feel much better. It's good to have a loved one who understands and supports you. The last time I came back from a trip, my boyfriend gave me flowers. He also works all the time. Sometimes we have time to go out together, but we are so tired that we prefer to spend more time at home. Now, I am returning from a trip, and we will meet again.

4. How do you decide what to show and what not to when dealing with sensitive material?

There are certain ethical norms and standards that are common to journalism. In our company, we also have restrictions that we call sensitive content. For example, reports where there was an attack and there are victims or casualties are often difficult. Everything is documented and filmed, but of course, it is aired very carefully. That is, you try to film such footage so that the whole picture of this horror is clear, but at the same time, there is not too much open and sensitive content. People who see this on TV and in the news may not be ready, or children or people with unstable psyches may see it. So, of course, there are norms that we always adhere to, and we try to do everything in such a way as to convey maximum reality and at the same time not harm people.

5. Do you have any rituals or habits that help you stay focused during reports?

When I'm shooting, I hold my breath so my hands don't shake. I try to concentrate on this moment to capture it. But, of course, when I work in war zones, on the front line, I always listen to what the soldiers tell me if we work together. This is the most important thing — to listen and follow commands because in such dangerous conditions, every step can cost you your life. So I always try to stay focused on what I'm being told.

6. What advice would you give to young journalists who want to work in hot spots?

I would definitely advise them to take first aid training and all safety courses. Without a doubt, you need to know all the safety rules, have a vest and helmet with you, and not go there alone — you should have a team with you that you work with. The most important thing is safety. Even if you are a young journalist, you will definitely cope with the interview. In terms of reporting, I would advise listening to people, paying attention to their stories, asking more about their feelings, and really focusing on that.

7. What does success mean to you as a journalist? Share your recipe for success.

Success in the journalism profession is to remain a human being and be able to hear the people around you. Nowadays, it is very difficult to remain a human being and maintain humanity, to be true to yourself and your principles. In journalism, this is very important. And for me, this is success and the path to achieving it. What I try to strive for is to maintain humanity within myself. Because I know — if you lose your humanity, you will definitely lose the ability to make a report, because a report is still about life, and to feel it and understand people, you have to be a normal person.

8. The Ukrainian people have a rich history and culture. What traditions do you have in your family?

We often went to church with my grandmother, grandfather, and mother. In general, we went every Sunday, but on holidays, these were special moments for me, which are truly a tradition. I remember how it was cold on Christmas, snow was falling, and we were going to church. Then we gathered with our neighbors at the table, cooked all the traditional, and not only, dishes. Now, unfortunately, this is impossible because my family are refugees abroad. We cannot get together like this, but I really hope that one day we will.

9. What kind of future for Ukraine after victory do you dream of?

I dream and sincerely believe that the future of Ukraine is very bright. With the people we have, I think anything is possible. I admire Ukraine, I love it very much, I want to make it better and develop it, as I see a huge perspective. Ukraine is a European country, full of incredible culture, traditions, people, nature, and history – it is amazing. It seems to me that now we are doing everything to develop it and speak about it to the whole world. Of course, these are some of the most difficult times in our history, but this is what shapes our identity. Unfortunately, in this way. Of course, after the war, I dream that Ukraine will be a flourishing country with happy people and free territories where everyone can return. I truly believe in this.