The Unexpected Power of Language Exchange: Mykola & Barron’s ENGin Story

When Ukrainian marketing professional Mykola first connected with his ENGin volunteer buddy Barron, he was temporarily living in New York and facing one of the most common barriers for language learners: confidence. Although his English was serviceable, it wasn’t fluent, and expressing thoughts clearly, especially nuanced ones, often felt like an uphill battle.

That’s when Barron stepped in, not just as a language buddy, but as someone deeply committed to understanding, empathy, and true exchange. Their first conversation in 2023 marked the beginning of a match that would evolve far beyond grammar corrections and vocabulary drills.

Barron didn’t rush Mykola or treat their sessions like a checklist. Instead, he took the time to explain concepts, gently correct, and gradually build Mykola’s confidence. It worked. Over time, the hesitation faded, replaced by ease and curiosity.

But the real transformation wasn’t just linguistic — it was human.

“We can talk about anything,” Mykola shares. “Philosophy, cooking, music, psychology, business, art, even spiritual questions you can’t just Google.”

With every weekly conversation, their exchange expanded into deeper, richer territory. Barron, who has lived and worked across the U.S., EU, Asia, and Latin America, brought a global perspective to their chats, which helped Mykola understand cultural nuances that textbooks simply can’t teach.

“Barron’s incredibly knowledgeable and curious about life. Our conversations weren’t just about grammar or vocabulary — they were about how to live meaningfully and thoughtfully.”

The friendship became a two-way street. As Barron supported Mykola’s professional growth and personal development, Mykola introduced him to Ukrainian traditions, culture, and the resilience of a country still fighting for its future. Their conversations became a space where stories were shared, perspectives broadened, and empathy deepened.

Barron’s unwavering support for Ukraine, Mykola notes, means more than he can fully express.

“It’s rare to meet someone with such clarity of what’s right and wrong, and who chooses to stand with us,” he says. “That kind of solidarity — especially during such times — matters deeply.”

In many ways, Barron has served as a mentor to Mykola. One specific conversation around perfectionism left a lasting impact. Mykola had struggled for years with starting creative projects, often delaying or abandoning them in pursuit of flawlessness. Barron’s advice was simple but profound: don’t chase perfection — just start. Work in small steps, focus on progress, not polish.

“It was like a light turned on,” Mykola says. Since then, he’s shifted his approach and gained the momentum he once lacked.

That shift wasn’t just mental — it was professional. Thanks in part to this change in mindset and the insights gained through Barron’s mentorship, Mykola began to thrive. Today, he works with two U.S.-based clients and is in talks with two more. His short-term stay in the U.S. evolved into a launchpad for scaling his marketing services internationally.

What started as a language exchange became something much more enduring: a friendship built on respect, shared learning, and a sense of mutual purpose. Barron may have joined ENGin to help someone learn English, but along the way, he helped shape a career, inspired personal growth, and offered a friendship that crossed borders and generations.

As Mykola puts it, “I joined ENGin to improve my English. What I found was someone whose guidance helps me grow as a person.”

The story of Mykola and Barron is a testament to ENGin’s unique potential. It's not just about language — it’s about human connection. It’s about bridging continents and generations to build empathy, understanding, and real opportunity.

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