Part 2 - Rising Strong: Dasha Ermolaeva’s Unstoppable Journey

Dasha Ermolaeva’s story is one of strength, perseverance, and the courage to chase dreams, no matter the odds. 

 

Born in a small town in Belarus, she defied life’s challenges to earn a full scholarship at one of Russia’s top universities.  

 

Her journey took a dramatic turn at just 11 years old when she was diagnosed with leukemia. 

 

What could have been the end of her dreams instead became the fuel that drove her forward. 

 

Through years of tough treatments, she refused to let her illness define her. Instead, she emerged stronger, with a new outlook on life and a deep desire to make a difference.  

 

Dasha was always ambitious. At different points in her life, she dreamed of becoming a lawyer like her parents, an Olympic athlete, and even an artist. 

 

Though her health struggles forced her to step away from sports, she never stopped searching for her true calling. Eventually, her battle with illness led her to a powerful realization - she wanted to help others facing life’s toughest moments. This passion led her to psychology.  

 

Determined to study at a world-class university, Dasha taught herself English, tackled tough entrance exams, and applied to universities across different countries. Even when things didn’t go as planned, she didn’t give up. Instead of letting setbacks stop her, she kept pushing forward. Her persistence paid off when she earned a full scholarship to the Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Moscow, one of Russia’s most prestigious universities.  

 

Now a psychology student, Dasha is using her education to understand the human mind and help others overcome challenges. 

 

Whether through research, consulting, or social psychology, she is committed to making an impact.  

 

Her story is proof that setbacks don’t define you - your response to them does. 

 

Dasha’s resilience, adaptability, and unwavering belief in her potential serve as a powerful reminder that no dream is too big and no challenge too great. 

 

She’s just getting started, and the world has only begun to see what she’s capable of.

 

Key Takeaways from Dasha’s story 1. Turn Struggles into Strength – Life can be unpredictable, but what matters is how you respond. When Dasha was diagnosed with leukemia, she didn’t let it break her - she used it as motivation to push forward and find her true purpose.  

 

2. Follow Your Passions Without Limits – You don’t have to stick to just one path. Dasha explored law, sports, modeling, and psychology before discovering her true calling. Keep an open mind and allow yourself to explore what excites you.  

 

3. Define Your Own Path – Society will always have expectations, but your future is yours to shape. Despite outside pressure, Dasha chose psychology because it was what she truly loved. Trust yourself to make the best choices for your life.  

 

4. Commit to Learning and Growth – Whether it was mastering English or excelling in school, Dasha knew that knowledge opens doors. Keep learning, stay curious, and invest in yourself - education is a powerful tool for success.  

 

5. Dream Big, But Take Action – It’s not enough to just dream - you have to make it happen. Dasha worked hard to apply for scholarships, learn new skills, and create opportunities for herself. Success comes to those who take bold steps.  

 

6. Surround Yourself with Supportive People – The right people can lift you up and push you forward. Dasha built a strong support system of mentors and friends who encouraged her. Seek out those who inspire you and walk away from negativity.  

 

7. Trust the Process – Life won’t always go as planned, but that doesn’t mean you won’t end up where you’re meant to be. Even when her dream of studying in the U.S. didn’t work out, Dasha foun