The "Student of the Year" title was won by Yaroslav Ivanov from Vitebsk Technological University
"Ever since I was a baby, I was interested in all sorts of wires, light bulbs, telephones, and anything related to electronics," admits Yaroslav. "I could spend hours with wires, not understanding anything about them. There is evidence of this in old family albums. I spent my entire childhood with my grandparents in the village. There were wooden swords, and huts made of whatever I could find, and a bathhouse, and work. Perhaps that's why, when I visit the village now, I feel a sense of peace: no car sounds, just me, birdsong, and my own thoughts."
GUDKOVA: THE MAIN IDEA OF THE "STUDENT OF THE YEAR" COMPETITION IS TO UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF YOUNG PEOPLEMy creative life began with kindergarten and morning performances. "Later, my parents enrolled me in the Honored Amateur Ensemble of Belarus, the choreographic ensemble "Zorka". And dancing became the meaning of my life. Constant rehearsals, concerts, off-site events, Christmas trees, "Slavyansky Bazaar", "Zubronok". In 2020, I entered the Vitebsk State Technological University. And from that moment on, my life became even more vibrant. From the very first event, I joined the active student life and did not miss a single performance, for which I received the Grand Prix as the best first-year student. In my first year, I managed to travel with a creative team to the final of "Student of the Year of Belarus", where my close friend Vladislav Mironchik successfully participated. And even then, I realized that I would definitely participate in this competition. From the first months, VSTU, namely the student club, became my third home. I wanted to participate in absolutely every concert, in every off-site event, and I succeeded," said the young man. "This year I worked in the directorial and production service of the International Competition of Pop Song Performers and the closing concert of the "Slavyansky Bazaar in Vitebsk" Arts Festival, as well as in the directorate of the International Festival of Modern Choreography. I love to travel, work on my car, and cook. I also can't help but mention that I have wonderful friends and the best girlfriend in the universe."
In second place is Pavel Lashchevsky, a 3rd-year student at the University of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Pavel considers music his main passion. "But during my school years, I managed to play in a theater in a foreign language, became part of the KVN team "Pushka", was fond of football and handball. Another interesting hobby of mine is fishing. Before entering the university, I was involved in sports fishing," said the young man.
Third place was shared by Karolina Yakubova, a 3rd-year student at the Vitebsk State Technological University, and Yana Pikula, a 4th-year student at the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts.
"I professionally engaged in athletics for 5 years at school, dedicating all my free time to training and various exercises. I was a sprinter, running short distances (200 and 400 m). It was sports that made me purposeful and unafraid of obstacles. There were many ups and downs, but it only made me stronger; I never gave up and moved forward. During my sports career, I repeatedly took 1st place in regional competitions and was among the top three in national ones," shared Karolina. - Now I am keen on dancing. Once I attended a rehearsal of the university team - the V.I.P. pop dance studio, and realized that I could express my energy here no worse than in sports, which is extremely important for me as a very active person. I never imagined that at a technological university, one could not only study but also develop creatively. And also, that I would be able to find so many wonderful friends who fill my life with colors. In my free time from studies and rehearsals, we go for walks, spend time together. We also traveled together as part of a student team to work at the VDC "Orlyonok."
The girl admitted that dancing is not her only hobby. "I run Instagram and TikTok, I love participating in photoshoots, and I study vocals. I have a wonderful family that gave me a proper upbringing. I have a younger sister, whom I try to set a good example for. My parents taught me to respect adults, to always think before acting, and to be goal-oriented. They instilled in me a love for animals, as we always had furry friends at home. Now we have a dog, 2 rats, and a chinchilla at home. I like to cook. My mom and I often do it together, and it turns out quite well," she noted.
Yana's main passion is vocals. "Love for music has lived in my heart since childhood. I love singing the most, as it is this art form that helps me to be heard by many. Through songs, I can convey something very important to the listener and touch the most delicate strings of the soul. I also love playing the piano. I graduated from art school, but I still sit down at the instrument today to perform my favorite compositions. It doesn't matter if I do it on stage in front of a large audience or just play at home for my family, at that moment I experience the brightest feelings. Music inspires, gives wings to the soul. It can change the world because it can change people," the student is confident.
Maxim Kachaylo, a 5th-year student at Gomel State Medical University, became the "Student of the Year ONLINE".
As Maksim admitted, he had always been trying something new since childhood. "My parents supported my enthusiasm and enrolled me in various clubs. At school, I was also involved in all sorts of circles. I tried some things just for a bit, while others I stuck with for a long time. There was dancing, music school, and a journalism club. For quite a while at school, I played intellectual games, and my team often won medals," the young man said. "But as long as I can remember, the stage has always attracted me. And I carry this passion with me to this day. Now, at university, I sing in our vocal ensemble 'Nastroenie' (Mood). And art holds a special place in my heart. I especially love its visual forms: cinema, animation, comics, games. And in recent years, I've become interested in photography. For now, my main tool is my phone camera, but in the future, I plan to switch to more professional equipment. But you can still get great shots with a phone, because the best camera is the one you have in your hands."
Today, the grand finale of the republican competition "Student of the Year - 2022" took place at the Minsk City Palace of Culture, where 15 of the best students in Belarus competed in creative and intellectual challenges. These students were the top performers in academics (with an average grade of at least 8.0), science, creativity, project authorship, and were strong youth leaders.
The Republican competition "Student of the Year - 2022" is organized by the BRSM with the support of the Ministry of Education, state and private structures, public and creative organizations.
The project is being implemented to support students with the aim of their social recognition and professional realization. Its main objectives are to develop models and programs for training leaders from among student youth, popularize effective forms of youth participation in public life, develop creative potential, support socially significant activities of student youth, enhance the prestige of knowledge and popularize professions.-0-