Daria Polianska
Biography
I am Daria Polianska and I teach Ukrainian in MLCS since 2018. It is amazing to be able to share my passion for Ukrainian with the students. I often say that I started to appreciate and know my culture and history more once I moved to Canada to pursue my PhD. Being far away from home prompted me to reconnect with my roots. Within last few years, I became even more fascinated with the Ukrainian language, culture, and art. I think that when we understand and know our origin story and the story of our land, we can acknowledge and appreciate other cultures and histories. I like the expression “Language is the DNA of a nation” (Мова – це ДНК нації) and I couldn’t agree more!
In 2019, I completed my PhD in Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Alberta. In my dissertation Representation of Psychic Trauma in Ukrainian Modernist Prose, I looked at the relationship between psychological, stylistic, and narrative aspects of trauma prose as well as the literary devices used by Ukrainian writers. While working on it, I kept exploring the therapeutic qualities of art as well as the ways in which art helps us comprehend and process trauma. This interest led me to the course that I am currently teaching Culture, Art, and Reactions, which also seems relevant during the pandemic.
I was born and raised in Kryvyi Rih (literally “Curved Cape”), the city which was founded by Zaporozhian Cossacks. It is now an important center of iron-ore mining and metallurgy in Ukraine. In my free time, I enjoy gardening (when weather allows) and being in nature.
What has surprised you about teaching remotely?
I have been surprised that it is possible. I often think of how even a decade ago or earlier in the twentieth century remote teaching would have not been available, and now it offers a solution during turbulent times, creating new possibilities and widening the horizons (it is not without challenges, but I prefer to look on the bright side!).
What's the last book you read and loved?
Ami McKay The Birth House, a novel about Dora Rare, a talented midwife from an isolated village in Nova Scotia during the years of World War I.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to visit many places (especially now!). Lately, Peru has been a country of interest for me. I would like to see Machu Picchu and explore Peruvian culture and food. I heard there are over 4000 types of potatoes in Peru, and I am a potato fan!
What 3 words best describe your experience as a teacher?
Curiosity – teaching constantly keeps me curious about life.
Open-mindedness – there is always so much to learn as well as an abundance of perspectives.
Resilience – teaching can be overwhelming, so being resilient is crucial for me. I am learning the balance of slowing down and focusing on what is important.
What is your favourite word in Ukrainian?
The first word that comes to mind is дивовижний (marvelous, amazing) like in “Світ – дивовижний!” (The world is marvelous!) and “Українська мова – дивовижна!” (Ukrainian is amazing!).