“My father used to save forests from fires, and now he saves the country from the enemy,” says first-year NULES student Liliia Bubenko

Liliia Bubenko is one of those who decided to follow in the footsteps of her father, forester Serhii Bubenko, who had worked in the forestry sector since 2011 as an excavator operator at the Pyrniv Forest Fire Station of the Dymer Forestry Enterprise. Since May 2022, Serhii has been defending our country. Now, this forest ranger–turned-soldier is responsible for organizing, maintaining, and protecting communication between the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Liliia remembers visiting her father’s workplace as a child. He showed her how the fire station was organized, and she immediately understood how important his work was.

“My father was literally a savior of the forest. He often worked in dangerous conditions, helping extinguish forest fires. Using his excavator, he created barriers to contain the fire and cleared areas to prevent it from spreading further. He worked to prevent new fires from breaking out. If my father used to save forests from fires, now he’s saving the country from the enemy — and I’m very proud of him,” Liliia says.

However, Liliia decided to become a forester later, after joining her school’s forestry club. There she learned the basics of forestry, botany, and zoology.

“We didn’t just study theory — we saw how everything works in real conditions. We were taught how to grow seedlings and plant them, studied different types of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that grow in forests, learned about forest animals and their role in the ecosystem, and took part in national school forestry gatherings. It was truly fascinating and educational.”

Liliia believes that the school forestry club gave her all the necessary knowledge and skills that helped her enroll at university. She is now a first-year student at NULES, majoring in Forestry.

“We’re currently studying subjects like professional training fundamentals and botany. It’s easy for me to study because I gained a lot of knowledge in the school forestry club and understand what the lecturers are talking about.”

After graduation, Liliia dreams of working at State Forest Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” and has already chosen her desired position — Forest Management Engineer.

“I enjoy caring for forest crops, cultivating them, and protecting them from diseases and pests. It’s a very important position — without it, the forest wouldn’t receive proper care.”

This summer, Liliia is already preparing to come to us for her internship and demonstrate her skills in real work. We are eagerly waiting for her, because practice is the first step toward a professional career in forestry. Everyone who successfully completes it is invited to join our team.

“Although forestry is often considered a male profession, I believe this field is open to everyone who wants to combine a love for nature, care for the environment, and the opportunity to improve forest management,” Liliia concludes.