Illia Yamchuk, a 2025 DMACC grad, was born, raised, and college-educated in Ukraine. He pursed his passion – singing and dancing – and launched a successful career in the entertainment industry in China, Turkey, Europe and with various cruises lines including Princess Cruises.
But then the war in Ukraine began, news he learned while in the middle of the ocean. Illia could not go home.
“I had my whole career in that industry,” he says. “I was doing a Broadway style show on a cruise ship, touring the world while getting paid for what I absolutely love to do.”
Suddenly, Illia found himself adrift.
An Anchor in Iowa
At this time in his journey, Illia was employed by a cruise line based in Florida. “Randomly,” Illia says, he found safe harbor in Des Moines. It so happens that the husband of a close friend and colleague had recently accepted a position at Simpson College in Indianola.
“They knew about the situation in Ukraine and invited me to stay with them in Des Moines,” he says. “They provided a roof over my head. They helped me navigate my first steps. I’m very grateful for what they’ve done for me.”
The first week after docking in Iowa in 2022, Illia inquired about DMACC’s English Language Learn (ELL) classes. “I spoke English already, but I wanted to take my skills to the next level. I took a test and signed up for classes. I started going to DMACC every day.”
Calling the experience “wonderful” and his instructor Margaret Coles “incredible,” ELL classes helped Illia hone his English skills and widen his understanding of American culture.
However, taking classes did not pay the bills. He needed a job.
His ELL classes had exposed Illia to the services of the Evelyn K. Davis Center For Working Families (then part of DMACC, now part of Lutheran Services in Iowa). Career coaching at the Center helped Illia build his resume, practice interviewing, and apply his educational background and skills to the job market.
Seeing the value of his unique skill set, Illia applied for a job with LSI as a Community Resource Navigator; they were looking for someone who spoke Russian and Ukrainian.
“Since I moved to a new country by myself, it sounded like a job I could do," he reflected.
"I could help other people navigate their life.”
Illia knew first-hand how important it is to have someone to help traverse life’s choppy waters.
Beyond the Shores of ELL
Once he completed his ELL classes, Illia sensed he could do more, that DMACC offered more. He had earned an associate’s degree in education with a minor in dance in Ukraine, but wasn't sure which direction to take his education in this new country. So he sought guidance.
With the support of Student Engagement & Retention Coordinator Corey Trader (who is currently acting as Interim Executive Campus Dean at DMACC Newton), Illia began navigating toward a new goal.
It became clear earning another associates degree was on the horizon. DMACC evaluated his degree from Ukraine and transferred the credits they could. As Illia had been out of college for some time, he was encouraged to start slowly by trying a couple classes.
Thus, his voyage with DMACC began again. This time, Illia was working full time, so he took classes in a hybrid format, some online and some in person, at DMACC's Urban/Des Moines campus.
In May 2025, Illia graduated from DMACC with honors, earning an Associates of Arts degree in sociology.
Through a collaboration with the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) called UNI@DMACC, Illia then took steps to get a bachelor's degree.
Jakob Jenns, a UNI representative on site at DMACC Urban, steered the transfer process.
“My transfer to UNI was so smooth," Illia says, looking back.
In December 2026, Illia will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from UNI, a designation earned entirely remotely.
Charting a New Course
For more than four years, Illia has worked at LSI, most recently as a case worker for Ukrainian refugees. But because Ukrainian refugees are no longer being resettled in the US, funds ran out, and the position will end at the end of September.
This fall, Illia will set sail again, this time for New York, and he’ll take the lessons he learned in Iowa with him.
“My whole experience in Iowa has proved ‘Iowa Nice," he says. "Throughout my journey, people have been very supportive. I have been inspired by pursuing education in Iowa and promoting its value. The power of education is so important.”
While Illia misses being on stage and would “love to get some gigs” in New York, being an artist and performer is stressful. He looks forward to building stability, a more secure financial future — and supporting others finding their way forward, like others did for him.
With the full-scale war in Ukraine still going on, Illia continues to fear for his family and friends.
“It’s really scary,” he says. “All I can do at this point is take care of myself and be that resource for others. Being depressed and stressed is not great for anyone. So I have to keep going to motivate and encourage people and help them in any way that’s possible.”
Toward Calmer Seas
Illia hopes his story will inspire others.
“DMACC provides an excellent education. I encourage everyone who wants a certification, license, or something to reach out. Just make an appointment with an advisor who can help you navigate.”
Especially for those whose first language is not English, Illia encourages them not to be afraid.
“To learn English, you don't need to know the language. You just need ask for help," he says. "As long as you come, they will find a way to take care of you.
“Education is a huge power. You will learn so much about yourself, about this world. If you invest your time in education, the time will never be wasted. You will always learn something."
Bear Trails highlights unique journeys of DMACC students, alumni, faculty, and staff, celebrating their diverse experiences and inspiring paths.
Have a story idea? Contact Savannah Eadens, Public Relations & Communications Specialist, at sjeadens@dmacc.edu or 515-675-3275.