From Refugee Camp to Front-End Developer: Mudrick's Story

Initially I moved to Ukraine in 2022 because I wanted to study cybersecurity. However, within three months of my arrival, the war broke out, and I had to leave and seek safety elsewhere. It was a difficult and stressful journey, but I thank God that I made it to Germany.

When I arrived in Germany, I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t know the language, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I faced several challenges, including racism. When I arrived from Ukraine, I had an injured shoulder, but I couldn't access proper medical care due to the language barrier and administrative challenges. It was a difficult time for me.

My therapist introduced me to an educational opportunity in Germany. She encouraged me to apply to a school that provided free education, which was a game changer for me. I immediately sent an email to ReDi School, got a response, and was invited for an interview. To my surprise, the school provided me with a computer and the necessary resources to support my learning. I never owned a laptop before.

I completed two semesters at the school but realized that I needed to do additional self-study to improve my skills. I knew that securing a job in my field required extra effort, so I dedicated myself to learning independently.
Living in a refugee camp made it even harder to concentrate on my studies. The environment was not conducive to learning—there was noise, distractions, and a lack of privacy. Despite this, I remained determined. I spent an entire year at the library improving my skills and preparing myself for job opportunities.

At one point, I took a temporary job at a supermarket. However, the work was physically demanding, and the language barrier made it even more challenging. After a month, I decided to quit and focus on my passion—technology.

I continued applying for jobs, and finally, I got an opportunity to interview for a frontend developer position. The company saw potential in me and decided to give me a chance. Many refugees struggle with the language. However, I am continuously learning German while working, and I believe it’s essential for career growth.

For anyone going through a similar experience, my advice is: don't give up. There is always hope. Keep striving for what you love and stay persistent. Looking ahead, I want to give back to the community. I was fortunate to receive free education, and I want to create opportunities for other refugees who are in a similar situation.