STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Ukraine-born George Yefymenko is no stranger to adversity and navigating unfamiliar territory. However, for this accounting major and student leader, learning to “be comfortable with being uncomfortable” has propelled his academic and professional journey.
Yefymenko will discuss his educational journey as the student commencement speaker at the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business ceremony Friday at 10 a.m.
Upon arriving to the United States in 2019 as a high school sophomore, Yefymenko immersed himself in North Central Texas Academy’s basketball program. He found community in the experience, including meeting his now-wife Tara, a Tarleton State University mechanical engineering student. With the encouragement of his parents and his coaches, Bruce Ray and Kenny Yates, he excelled on and off the court, landing a full academic scholarship to Tarleton State in 2022.
As the war in Ukraine broke out, Yefymenko recalls he had feelings of desperation and fear as those he knew faced instability and loss. Coach Ray and his wife Judy Ray embraced him with open arms, hosting him over school breaks. He remains in close contact with his mother and father in Ukraine, who, despite the situation at home, provide support and encouragement at every turn.
“Due to the war, I had no idea what was going to happen, and my parents could not fully cover the cost of my education,” he said. “Thankfully, Tarleton State was there to support me.”
He has dedicated himself to giving back to the institution he now calls home. Across the Accounting Society, Beta Gamma Sigma and his time as Dr. Sam Pack College of Business Student Advisory Board President, Yefymenko has been actively involved on campus. In addition to organizational volunteer work, he regularly serves as a tutor and mentor to fellow students.
Looking back on his success thus far, he credits his birth and found families, his Tarleton State academic advisors, and his faith for instilling his values and work ethic. Through his networking experiences with the Accounting Society, he began a corporate accounting internship with Progressive Insurance, where he plans to continue working full time upon graduation.
In his commencement speech, he hopes to motivate others to rise above their circumstances and chart their own path.
“We don’t get to choose our storms, but we do get to choose how we move through them,” Yefymenko said. “You can either complain about the cards life has dealt or you can take initiative, start leading organizations, and start being involved on campus. You can be the hero of your own journey.”
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.