make this into 500 words and two paragraphs:Ukrainian songs such as Nese Halia Vodu,  аля Воду ,“Halia is carrying water”, about an encounter of two lovers...

My curiosity didn’t stop at Germany. Conversations with and locals in Germany introduced me to the stories of Ukrainian refugees and their struggles that had been overlooked by mainstream media in China who demonizes Ukrainians while supporting the Russian invasion. Fueled by this  knowledge and the desire to get get to know the truth surpassing media coverage, I yearned to explore the Ukrainian culture and understand the experiences of its people through an investigation on Ukrainian refugees in Warsaw, Poland this summer.

While I was in China, I had heard stories about Ukrainians that painted them as villains, perpetuated by mainstream Chinese media, supporting Russia for their shared political ideologies and mutual cooperation in economic and military spheres. However, my curiosity led me to dig deeper and seek the truth for myself. During my time in Germany, conversations with locals opened my eyes to the struggles of Ukrainian refugees, a narrative often overlooked by Chinese media's biased portrayal. I vividly remember an encounter with Maria, a young Ukrainian refugee who shared with me her harrowing journey of fleeing her home country due to the conflict. Maria was one of the two students who had escaped from Ukraine with some of their families and were taken in by my school, Herman-Josef-College, after the war began. She described the immense fear and uncertainty she experienced while crossing the German border, with the hope of finding a better future for herself and her family.Empathy surged within me as I realized the injustice they were facing. Determined to understand their experiences firsthand, I made a decision to book a flight to Ukraine, eager to lend a helping hand to those in need. Two Ukrainian camps became my temporary home, where I volunteered to wash dishes and clean clothing. Through this, I hoped to bridge the gap between cultures and foster connections with the local people.  I’ve met a pregnant Ukrainian woman travling back home to kyiv while interviewing people at Wasaw East Station. She was appreciative for what I was interviewing for as I showed her some of my questions and videos, but she did not consent to take a video interview, for she was afraid an honest answer might get her and her family into trouble back in Ukraine. So instead, she agreed to answer a few questions with out me actually filming her. 

As days turned into weeks, a bond began to form between myself and the Ukrainian community. Despite the language barrier, the locals warmly embraced me and eagerly shared their customs and traditions. One captivating custom they shared with me was the "Horilka", a traditional Ukrainian alcoholic beverage, similar to vodka. When Ukrainians want to express their friendship and hospitality, they often invite guests to share a shot of horilka together. This act symbolizes unity, trust, and the desire to bond on a deeper level. Additionally, giving or receiving a pysanka (a beautifully decorated Ukrainian Easter egg) is seen as a meaningful gesture of friendship and goodwill. It signifies the desire to share cultural traditions and express heartfelt wishes for happiness and prosperity.In return, I shared a piece of my own culture through traditional Chinese song, “Moon serenade”. Together, we sang traditional tunes that blended our worlds. Even though our communication was often hindered by broken English, our hearts found harmony through the universal language of music and shared experiences.
In this newfound connection, I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility. While I had come to appreciate the warmth and kindness of the Ukrainian people, I knew that back in China, many still harbored misconceptions and prejudices. Determined to bridge this gap, I decided to use my experiences as a catalyst for change.
Equipped with an iPhone 11 and a mission, I embarked on a series of interviews and videos, with individuals ranging from ages 16 to 55, aimed at humanizing Ukrainians for my Chinese audience. With questions centered around their personal journeys, aspirations, political opinions, and the future prospect they’ve pictured for themselves and their families, I captured their stories of resilience and the contributions they made. Through these heartfelt narratives, I vividly portrayed a people who had so much to offer, dispelling the myths and stereotypes that overshadowed their reputation.
Over time, my videos gained traction, igniting discussions among Chinese citizens. Ignorance gave way to empathy, and there was a gradual shift in perceptions. It was a challenging endeavor, but one I was resolutely committed to.
 Empathy began to replace ignorance, and a shift in perceptions slowly took hold. It was an uphill battle, but one that I was determined to fight.
Through my personal journey of understanding, I learned that cultural barriers can be shattered, and prejudices dismantled when individuals take it upon themselves to seek the truth. The Ukrainians, once branded as "bad," had become beacons of resilience and kindness in my eyes. And through my efforts, I hoped to illuminate their true essence to a wider audience, reminding the world of the richness and diversity that different cultures bring.