A young Ukrainian designer is making English her priority.

Before she arrived in the U.S., this student was a talented graphic designer in Kiev, Ukraine, creating striking holiday window displays for one of the city’s major department stores. Her work drew passersby into glittering winter wonderlands, each design telling a story without a single word.

Now, building a new life far from home, she continues her design work remotely—while also working on a different kind of artistry: mastering the English language.

From Kiev Storefronts to New York Stories 

That’s where volunteer tutor Susan Grau comes in. With a keen eye for connecting lessons to her student’s passions, Susan blends challenging vocabulary work with engaging, real-world materials—everything from The New Yorker to a new biography of fashion icon Anna Wintour. She also incorporates her student's own essays about life in New York City, turning personal stories into powerful language practice.

The results speak for themselves: her student's vocabulary has grown dramatically, her confidence in writing has soared, and she’s better equipped to navigate her professional life in an English-speaking environment.

“My student's talent and determination is inspiring. Her essays vividly capture her journey and love for design.” — Susan Grau

Susan’s work is a reminder that tutoring isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about unlocking a student’s ability to tell their story, pursue their passion, and design the future they envision.