At just 13 years old, Sofiia Drebot made a life-changing decision: because of the war, she moved to Austria on her own. A new country, a new school, and an entirely new environment required her to grow up quickly, learn to rely on herself, and hold on to confidence in her own abilities. Today, Sofiia is a student at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), where she has earned outstanding academic achievements. Alongside her studies, she has built a strong athletic background and is taking her first steps in professional modeling with Vita Models. In this interview, she reflects on discipline, motivation, self-development, and explains why she hopes to be recognized not for the circumstances she has faced, but for the results she has achieved through her own hard work.
At 13, you moved to Austria on your own because of the war—a decision that required extraordinary courage. How did that experience shape you, and which qualities you developed during that time now help you build a career in the modeling industry?
Because I moved to Austria on my own, I had to grow up emotionally much faster than most people my age. That experience made me independent, disciplined, and determined. I learned to work hard and never give up if I wanted to achieve my goals. That determination continues to keep me moving forward and helps me stay motivated and focused on my dreams.
You have studied at the American International School Salzburg, earned AP distinctions, gained admission to one of the most competitive English-language programs at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), and built a strong athletic background. Has such a diverse foundation changed the way you view the modeling industry and your own professional growth?
Yes, it helped me understand what I truly want to pursue professionally. I believe this broad background will support my growth in the modeling industry and continue to open new opportunities for my career in the future.
You joined Vita Models only this year. What was your first impression of the world of professional modeling, and what surprised you most once you experienced the industry from the inside?
I was truly impressed by the scale of the agency. What stood out to me most was its high level of organization, the welcoming atmosphere, and the professionalism of the entire team. Everything—from training sessions and photoshoots to castings and the work of the specialists—was organized to an exceptionally high standard.
The modeling industry is often associated with beautiful photos and runway shows, but behind the scenes it requires discipline and constant self-improvement. What principles help you balance your studies, sports, personal growth, and your first professional steps in modeling?
I try to maintain a healthy balance between studying, sports, and rest. I believe that approach helps me stay motivated and avoid burnout. My main principle is to never give up because I understand that success takes time, and every achievement is built through consistent effort and hard work.
You already have international academic and internship experience, feel comfortable in multicultural environments, and dream of working with brands around the world. Where do you see your career five years from now, and what kind of projects would represent a true professional milestone for you?
Right now, I’m doing everything I can to gain experience in both modeling and economics. Five years from now, I see myself traveling internationally, discovering different cultures, and working on a global level. I want to build a career in many different countries, and I hope that one day I’ll create a company that brings people together from all over the world.
Despite your young age, your story is already defined by decisions that required perseverance, responsibility, and confidence in yourself. If this interview is someone’s first introduction to you, what would you want readers to understand about Sofiia Drebot—not only as a model, but first and foremost as a person?
I don’t want people to focus on the difficult experiences I’ve been through because so many Ukrainians have faced the same challenges. I’m building my future under the same circumstances as many others. What I hope people value most is my work ethic, determination, and ambition—not simply my life story.
This version is adapted to the style of an American glossy magazine while preserving the original meaning, structure, and interview flow. It uses natural U.S. editorial phrasing, avoids literal translation, and keeps the overall length very close to the Ukrainian version, making it suitable for parallel print layout.