Colonie aims to stay informed on the Russian invasion of Ukraine

By Kathryn Taleporos

March 2, 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24.Fighting in the region has increased dramatically, and the human cost of the war continues to rise. While Ukraine is 4,669 miles away from Colonie, the Colonie High School community believes that this issue is one that members of the community should be informed about.

The news of the situation mainly reaches students in one way, through social media. CCHS senior, Jenna Nougera, said that the way she is mostly staying informed through social media apps such as Instagram.

Colonie High school teacher, Ms. Erin Lasky agrees. She said that she was surprised how many students came to class asking about the situation. She also said that many students received their information through social media.

Students who received news on their social media platforms about Ukraine, have raised concerns in the classroom according to Ms. Lasky. She said that this has sparked discussions in class about the connections between this and the Cold War, which they are currently learning about.

“The expression about history repeating itself, there is something to be said about that.” said Ms. Lasky, “You have to look back and see how you handle aggressive actions by different leaders to see what has worked in the past and what hasn’t to develop a strategy.”

Ms. Lasky said that these discussions in class, and discussions that students have at home with family members or peers, help students stay informed and aware of the world around them.

Students in Colonie agree that staying informed on Russia and Ukraine is important. Nougera said, “It is always important to know the current events that are going on because even if it doesn’t affect you directly, it will still affect you in some way.”

CCHS senior Selma Osei, said that it is important that students be informed on this topic because understanding what is happening in other parts of the world increases our empathy towards others in our globalized society.

As Russia continues to invade Ukraine, fear and anxiety are rising. Ms. Lasky and Nougera agreed that reading about Ukraine made them nervous that something bigger could arise from this and cause us to become directly involved. However, Ms. Lasky, Nougera, and Osei, all agreed that members of our community should be aware of the situation because even though it may not involve them directly right now, there is a potential that this could spiral into what some are calling World War lll.