Moving across continents to pursue my passion for music was as thrilling as it was daunting. I began in Ukraine, where I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance and music education from the Ukrainian National Tchaikovsky Academy of Music in Kyiv, and later a licentiate diploma in classical singing performance from the London College of Music (UK). Before coming to the United States in 2021 to join the graduate program at Ball State University, I lived and worked in the Middle East, in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Muscat (Oman), teaching and performing in diverse international communities. These experiences deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity and strengthened my ability to connect with people from many backgrounds.
When I began my journey at Ball State, I was determined to succeed, even while carrying the weight of many responsibilities. I pursued full-time doctoral studies while teaching music education courses as a graduate assistant, mentoring teachers in training, later serving as an adjunct professor of voice at another university, and performing and competing nationally—all while raising my daughter. The workload was intense, but my commitment never wavered. I completed my Doctor of Arts degree in music education and voice performance, with a cognate in gifted and talented education, in three years as planned.
The intellectual adjustment proved just as challenging as the workload. Coming from a different academic tradition, I initially struggled to question authors, theories, or established practices in the way Western academic culture encourages. In my previous experience, knowledge and its authors were treated with reverence. Rather than hiding my confusion, I chose to embrace curiosity and ask questions. Gradually, I began to piece things together and realized that critical engagement represents scholarship, not disrespect. That shift in perspective not only empowered me but also deepened my empathy for students from cultures where challenging authority isn’t common practice.
This learning process became transformational for me and others around me. As I gained clarity, I realized many peers and students faced identical struggles. First-generation or international students, especially, grappled with an unfamiliar college culture. To address these barriers, I created practical resources like study groups, walkthrough videos, and step-by-step guides covering course registration and credit adjustments. These experiences shaped my teaching philosophy around empathy and transparency. If we want students to succeed, we must help them understand the systems they are navigating and give them the confidence to move forward.
What made my journey possible, and truly extraordinary, was the community I found in the School of Music. From my first day, I was welcomed with warmth and treated as a valued colleague. My professors in music education and voice, and faculty from the educational psychology department, gave generously of their time and expertise. My dissertation chair, Dr. Kevin Gerrity, provided invaluable mentorship in my research and teaching. Dr. Gerardo Ramirez became a valued collaborator on multiple research projects and publications. Dr. Soyeon Kang and Dr. Mei Zhong offered encouragement that fueled my professional growth. Their guidance answered my countless questions and helped me discover my voice academically and artistically.
I was honored to receive Ball State’s recognition for significant academic accomplishments two years in a row. Today, I continue my journey here as a full-time instructional consultant in the Division of Online and Strategic Learning. I help create learning environments where all students feel a sense of belonging and possibility. This University didn’t just help me grow academically—it helped me become fully myself.
—Oksana Komarenko, MM ’22 PhD ’25,
