Nina Tarasovets and the HSU Bible Impact

Of all our HSU traditions, the one that has the most life-changing potential is the Bible given to each incoming student. Since 2013, thousands of new HSU students have received a purple leather Bible during their first semester on campus due to the generosity of alumni and friends of the university.

Nina Tarasovets

Nina Tarasovets hails from Kamianka, Ukraine, and majors in business administration. She spends her time working at the Richardson Library and is an active member of the International Student Fellowship, Alpha Iota Omega, and the Endangered Species and Shelter Awareness club.

In her young life, Nina has faced and overcome challenges most cannot even fathom. She came to the United States to attend high school before the pandemic captured the world and sent everyone into lockdown. Even though she was isolated, away from anyone who spoke her language, Nina persevered and emerged stronger than before. She learned English, made friends, and graduated high school.

When it came time to apply for colleges, Nina did not intend to continue her education in the U.S., but due to the war in her home country, she could not stay home.  At the suggestion of her teacher, Nina applied to HSU and was accepted. “Since my first day on the HSU campus, I knew that this is where I wanted to be,” Nina said. “HSU is like a family, where everyone encourages, helps, and cares about each other. The love of Christ unites us.” Nina added, “Being able to rely on their [the HSU family] support means a lot to me as an international student away from family.”

Nina is a kind and inspiring person. It is evident she loves life and people. Even though she is separated from her family and home, you would never know she was plagued by any hardship because she is a calming presence.

Nina received a purple HSU Bible her first semester, as is the tradition on campus. She shared, “I remember receiving the Bible during my first week here. The feeling of being cared about my spiritual formation stays with me until today.”

HSU is a great place to find what is God’s passion for you and be able to rely on support from others along the process.

Traditions are powerful because they’re passed down from generation to generation. Please consider giving a Bible to an HSU student to carry on HSU’s commitment to teaching and training young men and women for Christ. Nina added, “Being away from home, I realized how important it is to be surrounded by someone who loves you. It is amazing how the HSU family cares about everyone, especially incoming freshmen who are leaving their families for the first time.”

Nina Tarasovets, along with current students Carson Ozbun and Hillary Haywood, was invited to help spread awareness of the Bible tradition. Each of these students is a reminder that no matter the path taken to get here, or the path taken after graduation, the Bible received during their first semester is a reminder of the Christian faith and values instilled in their time at Hardin-Simmons University.