"The Place of Power played a huge role in my development": the story of 15-year-old Timofey
At a time when most teenagers spend hours in front of their smartphone screens, 15-year-old Timofey Lukyanov is choosing a completely different path. After moving from Kryvyi Rih to Kyiv, he not only adapted to his new life, but also began to actively change the world around him. In parallel with his studies in the 9th grade, the boy is involved in school self-government and works as a counselor in a religious organization that organizes camps for teenagers.
"Nowadays, almost all my peers are immersed in their phones, so our goal is to get them outside, to show them how interesting real life can be. At the camp, I work as a counselor and help with the organization, because I understand how important it is.", – says the young man.
By his example, the guy proves that life outside of a smartphone can be exciting and diverse. A recent victory at the district basketball competition, where Timofiy and his team won silver, inspired the guy to seriously think about professional sports. However, the guy's main hobby still remains visiting the Place of Power.
"I was skeptical at first", – the guy admits with a smile. – "When my mom told me about this space, I thought I would come once and never come back. But it's been a year and I'm still here."
The first acquaintance with the space began with an art therapy class. "I still have the glitter jar from that class in my room.", – Timofey recalls with a smile, showing his first work.
Since then, the boy's life has changed dramatically. He has become a regular participant in various activities, from film clubs to communication games, but he has especially enjoyed storytelling classes.
"I really like psychologist Svitlana, who conducts these events. Something incredible happens in her classes – these are truly unique events, the likes of which I have not seen anywhere else! There is a special atmosphere of warmth and trust here, where everyone can be themselves. Even when new participants come, I see how they open up from the very first minutes."
Timofey's special passion is cinema and anime. He never misses a single film club in the space, enthusiastically discussing the films he has watched and sharing his impressions with other participants.
"I can say about myself that I am a true fan of movies and anime," – the guy admits, – "I especially love our discussions in the anime club, everyone sees something different in the story, notices different details - it opens up a new perspective on the plot. It would be great to gather a group at the Place of Power to watch multi-episode anime, it could be an interesting course."
Timofey has many ideas for developing a film club in space. "I would highly recommend watching 'Rain Man.' It's an incredibly profound film that touches on important themes. I'm sure other teenagers could take something important from this story." – he shares his thoughts.
He is one of those guys who is not afraid to experiment. He is among the first to sign up for new courses, eager to try himself in different directions.
"When I found out about the phototherapy course with Svitlana, I immediately realized that this was for me! Before that, I was already fond of photography, I even had my own camera, so I went to the class with the confidence that it would be great. The course exceeded all expectations, it's just a pity that it ended so quickly." – shares his impressions.
In the fall, he became a participant in the “Director’s Profession” course, which was conducted by Ukrainian actor and director Maksym Mykhailichenko.
"Our teacher is a person who is truly passionate about his work. You could feel that old university temper, he talked about cinema with such enthusiasm that it was impossible to remain indifferent! I have long been thinking about connecting my life with the film industry, so this course was a great opportunity for me to better understand this direction and check whether it is really mine."
One of the most anticipated events for Timofey was a meeting with the person he had long dreamed of seeing, Serhiy Prytula.
"I was really looking forward to this meeting! We even created a separate chat with friends, where we discussed which photos to print for autographs. Talking to a person who has such extensive experience in television, founded his own charitable foundation, and makes a huge contribution to supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine is an incredible opportunity." – says Timothy.
The guy admits with a smile: "You know, I even asked my parents to excuse me from my last class at school so I wouldn't miss this meeting! It would be cool if the Place of Power held more such meetings, but in the evenings, so that I could attend them."
In addition to various courses, interesting events, and inspiring meetings, Timofey discovered psychological groups. At one of the classes, the guy learned about a therapeutic course conducted by psychologist Zhenya. There, he not only worked through his requests, but also found true friends with whom he still maintains warm relationships.
"I advise everyone to attend therapy sessions, especially now, during the war. Because I see how many teenagers face difficulties in communication, and sometimes they close in on themselves. The Place of Power is exactly the space where you can take your first steps, learn to open up and trust," – says the young man.
During the year of visiting the space, Timofey witnessed many personal transformations. He saw how those who come to the classes gradually change - they become more open, confident, and find their place in life.
"I've seen firsthand how the Place of Power changes people's lives for the better. Some of my first acquaintances no longer come here, but I know that everything turned out well for them - they received the necessary tools and overcame their difficulties."
For Timofey, the Place of Power has become much more than just a space for leisure. When asked to describe the place in three words, he doesn't hesitate: "Friendship, experience and warmth. Here I found real friends with whom we are now very close. And I even met my girlfriend - we have been together for almost a year." – the guy shares.
Now the guy actively invites his peers here. "I've already brought many of my friends - from Podil, from Vynohradar. They even come here from other parts of the city because they understand that it's worth it."
"I grew up with this space," – Timofey concludes. – "I came here as an insecure teenager, and now I feel like a completely different person. The Place of Power played a huge role in my development."
