Interviews of the scholarship holders with people who inspire them
Sofia Kuzyk’s interview with Maria Karpinska.
Maria Karpinska is the executive director of the Karpinski Foundation, the founder of the My First Scholarship program. Together with her husband Myroslav Karpinsky, she has four children. She is a teacher of English language and literature.
1) Where were you born? What is the first memory in your life?
– I was born in Lviv, the first memory… maybe how we went for walks with my family, my dad loved to carry me on his shoulders and of course I loved it too.
2) What did you want to be when you were a child?
– A teacher, I remember very well that I had no doubt about it.
3) What childhood hobbies have you carried through your life?
My passion for foreign languages. I remember the moment when I first opened a dictionary, it was a German dictionary, and it was a real epiphany for me that there are so many words and that they have analogues in different languages and that there is another alphabet besides Cyrillic. I was 3-4 years old at the time. I have a passion for communicating with people and looking for the points where we are similar and different, and in these differences, opening each other’s eyes to our values. I love doing hair and haircuts, reading. Drinking coffee and the insight it gives me (coffee from my youth, not from childhood). The ability to overcome obstacles by being well prepared for them.
4) Where did you study after school? Was it a conscious choice?
The Faculty of Foreign Languages, English Language and Literature. It was a very conscious choice, because I applied twice, but didn’t get in the first year.
The USA – a grant from IREX (International Research and Exchanges Board). Lees-McRae College, North Carolina, majoring in Education and International Relations. I hope it will continue.
5) Do you remember how you earned your first money?
I was tutoring English. I was in the 10th grade when I was helping others.
I also helped a bus conductor sell tickets on the bus, and earned something for a day or two during the holidays (I remember).
6) When did you realize that you wanted to do what you are doing now (meaning profession or business)?
I realized that I was ready to launch the My First Scholarship program when we realized that the Karpinski Foundation was helping a lot, but there was no structure to it. Having been a scholarship recipient of the American Foundation back in the day, I realized that I had the desire and resources to do something similar for Stryi teenagers.
7) What do you like most about your work? Name three things.
– Your eyes (the eyes of the scholarship holders) when you feel your personal growth during the training, when your change is so obvious that you start to grow before your eyes.
– When we organize all this for you and have a mountain of ideas, most of which we try to implement.
– When we invite famous cool personalities to our events and they learn about the idea of the My First Scholarship program and are happy to be a part of our project. They come to the event and share their stories of success, defeats, and discoveries.
8) Is there a person in your life who motivates you?
There are, of course, many personalities I admire, from whom I get ideas, principles, or elements that
Liubomyr Vytvytskyi
A cup of aromatic coffee. I’m sure many of you know the coffee shop Kava Vid Stryjka, but not everyone knows its creator. I was very lucky to talk to him. This is Rostyslav Ivanitsky. After our interview, he became a Man with a capital M and a role model for me. You will understand why in a moment.
Good afternoon, thank you for your time. Who do you position yourself as?
First of all, I am an organizer, a kind of center of a certain system – today it is our coffee shop chain. I organize the work of the network, track all the processes and work on improvement and enhancement.
We will talk about your work later. You must have had a life before creating Coffee by Stryj. Let’s talk about it. Tell us something about your childhood.
Childhood. This is probably one of the best periods of my life, and it is such a foundation for your future role. I had a bright childhood. I was born in the village of Hirne, Stryi district. I studied the first two grades in Hirne, then moved to Stryi with my family. Later I studied at school No. 3.
What family do you come from?
From a middle-class family. Let’s say I had everything to develop. But no one gave me anything for free: my father raised me by motivating me. I was involved in sports, dancing, and studied quite well. For example, I remember my first soccer tournament, we played well, and I got boots for that. It was a motivation to work harder. Childhood is about school and rural nature. Then moving to the city means adaptation: new people, new obstacles.
How did you study at school?
I probably didn’t study very well, I never crammed. But the subjects I was good at, I knew well, it was more of a philological direction. Although I didn’t have excellent grades in all subjects, I did well.
If I’m not mistaken, you are a lawyer.
Yes, I am.
Did someone push you to choose your future profession or did you come to this decision on your own?
Since I liked philology, the choice of profession was obvious. I went into the field of law because it was prestigious. I chose this profession on my own, and my parents didn’t mind.
Where did you study?
At the Yaroslav the Wise National Law University in Kharkiv. I have a master’s degree in law. I received my bachelor’s degree in Poltava, where there is a specialized faculty from the university. I studied there for four years and then entered Kharkiv for my master’s degree.
In our conversation, you emphasized that Poltava is a beautiful city. Did you plan to return to your hometown?
No, I didn’t plan to. It was just the way things worked out. At first, I worked in Lviv in the field of law, but later the idea of a coffee shop began to take shape. I had to devote a lot of time to it because there was competition and we started to grow rapidly, and when you grow rapidly, you need to control and direct everything. I put law on hold for a while because I didn’t see any dynamic development prospects.
Do the skills of your profession help you?
Yes, of course. Higher education is not only about a tangible diploma, it is about shaping you as a person. I was honored to work at the university with very interesting people who have their own serious companies. I took an active part in extracurricular activities at the university and have several published articles in journals. Thanks to this, I gained business management skills. In other words, higher education is a set of knowledge that will help you not only in your profession, but also provide knowledge for related industries, because today the world is very global. The doors are open – the main thing is to knock.
Do you think Ukrainian education is at a high level?
In my opinion, our higher education has two sides of the coin. One of them is that it is multi-disciplinary, meaning that there are many unnecessary subjects during the course of study. This is an echo of Soviet education: a student has to know a lot and use little. The West has a more specialized approach. And it produces the best specialists in the chosen field. Although it is said that the CIS countries produce more multidisciplinary specialists than, say, America. And the other side is that you know everything, but you don’t know your profile.
Many people are now going abroad. Do you think it is better to develop in Ukraine or abroad?
As a patriot, a person who loves his country, I am in favor of developing my country. It is cool when you are 20 years old and already working abroad. It’s one side of the coin, and it’s lyrical, but there’s another side – you count pennies there and then come back to your homeland. It is necessary to create conditions for cooperation with young people, to introduce a nationwide educational campaign to popularize self-development in Ukraine. Probably, these conditions are not very favorable now. I am in favor of developing here, but the state should create conditions for youth development at the legislative and actual level.
Have you ever had a desire to leave?
Somehow I didn’t have a desire to leave. I wanted to go to Work and Travel in the United States. But the circumstances were such that it didn’t work out.
Do you consider yourself an active public figure?
When I am approached, I do not stand aside. I work with young people, guide them in the right direction, and instill certain principles in them. To a certain extent, I am involved in community service, but it is not my priority.
Looking through your profile, I saw several photos with the Golos party. Are you a politician?
I am a member of the Voice party, I participated in the political process, in this year’s elections. I gained experience. It was more of a life challenge than my initiative. I was seen as a decent person who could run in the local elections. Seeing these people, I realized that I could learn and teach a lot. Overall, I am satisfied with my result. And today I am a member of the Golos party.
What motivated you to enter politics? Did you want to change something?
I am a realist. I understand that you can change something at any level of society. You have to start with yourself. I didn’t have any slogans like “I’m running because I need to change something”. I understand that if you haven’t changed something before, you won’t change it now. Every day I try to do my daily work, such as letting a pedestrian pass on a zebra crossing, picking up and throwing away garbage, and not responding to aggression with aggression. We have launched a product in our coffee shops – thermal mugs. When you buy one, you get a discount, and thus there will be less waste.
Politics is a rather complicated topic, so let’s not go into it. Let’s talk about how you spend your free time. What do you prefer?
You need to discharge yourself, you can’t work non-stop. For me, it’s sports, jogging, fishing. I guess I also like to tinker with technology. I also like to ski.
Have you been skiing since childhood?
Yes, since I was thirteen.
Have you been fishing since childhood as well?
Yes, I have. Especially during the quarantine period in my twenties, my brother and I got hooked on proper, sport fishing. I am for the right approach in both sports and culture.
If you go fishing as a sport, what is the biggest fish you have caught?
Carp. About 2.2 kg. It was my trophy fish, I released it.
Okay, now to the most interesting part. To the creation of Coffee by Stryjko. Why exactly from the strain?
Why from a stray? First of all, the search for a name was close to the people of Stryi. When we started our business, there was a fashion for foreign-language names that were more aimed at young people. We wanted to reach people of all ages. And we needed a catchy name that would be on people’s lips. Many people thought it was some kind of family connection. In fact, I was inspired by the legend about the origin of the name of our city. We also wanted to depict a hero, but then we changed our minds and kept the name minimalistic.
What inspired you to create a coffee shop?
It’s trivial. I had a small budget that I asked my father for and a coffee shop near the university in Kharkiv. It was a trailer. One day I came to Stryi and saw that this profile was empty. I took a chance and decided to try it. It was supposed to be an additional income. I tried it. My friend and I brought a trailer from Kyiv. We brought it and started thinking. We started working by trial and error.
Where was the first coffee shop?
Here, opposite the Silpo.
How many coffee shops are there now?
There is a chain of coffee shops called Coffee by Stryi with seven locations, we also have a premium format called Coffee by Stryi Espresso Bar, and we have a format called Coffee by Stryi Shop.
Were you the first in Stryi?
In this format, yes.
How did you develop?
We decided to scale up: we were looking for locations that would be relevant for us. In 2018, we opened 4 new outlets: we saw what people wanted and reciprocated, so to speak.
How do you plan to develop further? Perhaps open new outlets?
We are planning to franchise, and in the future – other cities of the region.
And finally, with your permission, a short blitz. Top three books that everyone should read.
My favorite book is “The Adventures of Erast Fandorin” by Boris Akunin, then probably “The Three Comrades” by Erich Maria Remarque, and sometimes I read Wall Street bestsellers.
Character traits that will help you achieve success.
Perseverance, inner harmony, and luck.
What do you think teenagers shouldn’t waste their time on?
Definitely social media.
Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I hope that this conversation has brought you pleasure. Personally, I have gained some experience and incredible emotions. I wish you not to slow down, but to move forward to new heights.
Garasym Roksolana
Marta Stadnik: “Don’t waste your time… Marta Stadnyk is the Head of the Internal and Information Policy Department of the Stryi City Council, a journalist and TV presenter. Her goal is the truth, her methods are communication, and her means are language and knowledge. Today she shared her memories with me and gave me some special advice.
Hello! Tell us, where did you study after school? Was it a conscious choice?
After high school, I studied at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Faculty of Journalism. I specialized in television journalism. Without a doubt, it was my conscious choice. Perhaps since the 7th grade, I have clearly decided on my future profession. And since then, I have worked only in this direction. I paid special attention to specialized subjects, read a lot and learned to write. At first, it was fiction (I attended a literary studio in Lviv), then comic (I participated in KVN games), and then newspaper articles (my first school auditions).
What do you remember about your student years?
You might think I was a bore, but I studied a lot during my student years. The first year was a “light” year, I got to know a new environment, new friends, and incredible teachers. And that’s when I realized that STUDENTHOOD IS A GOLDEN TIME not for entertainment, but for development. I realized that as a student, I have the opportunity to knock on any media door and ask to be hired for an internship… Because it is the practice that is crucial in our profession. Of course, at the same time I was studying and doing well. At that time, I was not like all teenagers, I spent less time on entertainment. Although, how could I do without it! The most important thing for me was to get a profession and be a professional in it. Since I worked all my student years, I graduated from university with a serious amount of knowledge and experience. I even wrote my master’s thesis based on my own television program. It was a great time!
Do you remember how you earned your first money?
I can’t remember exactly the first money. But as a journalist, I started receiving fees somewhere in my last year of university. At the same time, I was always working as a hostess at various events. At first, it was completely amateurish, but it was paid.
What was your first job and how old were you then?
Unofficially, at first it was a local newspaper, I was 15 years old, still a schoolgirl. Officially, I started my work record in Stryi at the Lan TV channel, I think I was 22 years old.
When did you realize that you wanted to do what you do now?
As I already mentioned, I realized it when I was a teenager. However, a person always grows in their profession. At least you should strive for it. For me, it is valuable that I always add something to my skills and gain experience.
Was there a time when you wanted to stop doing your job?
Yes, there was a period. I wanted to give it up professionally, due to family circumstances. And I even tried to move away from it for a while. But it didn’t work out. Circumstances, events, people I met in my life brought me a new understanding that IF A PERSON HAS A GOD-GIVEN TALENT, HE HAS NO RIGHT TO BURY IT IN THE GROUND! I did not believe that these words from the biblical parable could be about me. But I was wrong, God loves everyone equally. That means He has rewarded me with something, it’s just important to be able to recognize it in yourself.
Do you have any motivational phrase or word that motivates you?
To be honest, I don’t like and don’t read motivational books that are popular now. If I do come across some good phrases, I usually don’t memorize them. Instead, for me, the Bible is the greatest source of quotations. You open any page of the New Testament and every line is a MOTIVATION!
What advice would you like to give to the younger generation?
I advise you not to waste your time! Spend your time for the benefit of yourself. For your body – go in for sports and learn to eat healthy food; for your soul – find a hobby and communicate only with good friends; for your head – study, read a lot of quality and useful literature; for your heart – of course, fall in love! Remember that every day you make a contribution to your future!
Avrish Sofia
Elena “the Hanter” Ovchinnikova is a 14-time world champion in kickboxing, Thai boxing, and mixed martial arts.
Why did you choose sports over other professions?
I have been involved in sports since early childhood because my parents were also athletes, though at the amateur level. And I had a dream of earning money through sports. I even wanted to become a physical education teacher and entered a physical education college. But in parallel with my studies, I did not give up training and started going to competitions, then professional fights (commercial) and I realized that my dream of earning money through sports was coming true (because unfortunately, you can’t earn much money as a physical education teacher at school). But having a degree in physical education, I can also share my knowledge with others, so I also do personal training in my free time.
What kind of sports did your parents play?
My dad was a gymnast and swimmer, my mom was a fencer, and when we got married, we started going to karate
How did your parents react to your choice of sport?
At first, they were very positive (all parents are happy when their child is doing something useful and not spending time on the street with bad company and bad habits, as I was). And then, when I said that I had long dreamed of becoming a World Champion and would continue to pursue my goal, and that I was really starting to succeed on this path, my mother was upset. Because every mother wants her daughter to be a real lady and fulfill her natural destiny (children, kitchen and women’s profession, and most importantly, to be safe, uninjured and healthy). My dad still supports me because he is proud of me, and my mom is happy when I am successful and when my injuries do not recur, but she still begs me to quit this sport because it is not for women and is traumatic. But as I said at the meeting: I like to break stereotypes (appearance, gender, men’s things…) and there are much more traumatic sports even if they are female, and even ordinary people walking down the street are not protected from injuries.
Where did the pseudonym “the Hunter” come from, and who chose it? Why the Hunter? Hunter for what?
This nickname started to stick because of my fighting style, because I seem to hunt my opponents. In the beginning, I don’t rush into an attack, I study my opponent, his movements, actions, behavior, aim, and then go into action. And because I loved wolves and embroidered wolves on my competition clothes, I was associated with a predator hunter (wolf), not a hunter with a gun or bow. Also, when I go to the ring, I get a predator’s look, which eventually passed into everyday life))
You’ve had many injuries and defeats, tell us: who supported you in those moments?
Of course, my family supported me, even though they said it was time to stop doing this, because it was a sign. But also my friends supported me, and my true fans and supporters. Because when you lose, you can often see people turning away from you, unfollowing you, criticizing you, not knowing how to get into the ring, or train, and God forbid you get injured, and then try to win with those injuries. But as we all know, in trouble, true friends and people are determined, and the garbage is weeded out, so there are positive aspects in everything.
You studied at the Physical Education College in Kamianske, do you have any other specialty besides sports?
My education is only in physical education. After college, I also completed my master’s degree at the Lviv University of Physical Education. But I’m also a manicurist and pedicurist, I used to work in a salon, I used to see clients at home-I was very passionate about my work, but at some point I had to choose: work or sports? The fact is that I had to train two or three times a day, so it was difficult to combine the two. I chose sports. But I still have a dream to return to the field of beauty after my fighting career)
Have you been offered a job in law enforcement or other government agencies?
Yes, I was offered a job in law enforcement, a contract in the army and bodyguarding. But again, I had to give up professional sports. And it would have affected my personal life too, so I had to say no
Have you ever used your skills outside the ring?
There were a couple of incidents on the street. Once I had to use force against a drunk, and in other cases there were men nearby who stood up for a girl
We often talk about sports and training, but do you have enough time for household chores, such as cooking? What is your favorite dish? What do you like to cook?
I love cooking and I have enough time, although not every day. I have to cook even when I don’t feel like it, but I have to. I like borscht, olivier and various fish and meat))
Do you have any pets?
I don’t have any now. Last year, my best beloved friend, a black German shepherd, who was with me for 13 years and until the last moment he was my long-distance running partner, got lost.
Dementiev Artem
Yuriy Dementiev is my dad, a speaker, one of my motivators, who will give me advice and help me in a difficult situation.
What did you like to do as a child?
When I was a kid, I often went with my friends to play soccer and fish, so these two activities became my favorite.
When did you earn your first money and how?
I earned my first money when I was 16-17 years old, helping to complete my diploma work at the university, and at the age of 19 I started to provide for myself.
What would you tell yourself as a young person and what advice would you give to young people?
No matter how trite it may sound, don’t change anything. Do more actions! Because it is more experience! More results!
Believe in yourself, set high and specific goals, write them down and do everything to achieve them!!!
Can you say any final quote?
It’s not a shame to fall, it’s not a shame to break your forehead, it’s a shame not to get up!
As the great boxer Mike Tyson said, when a person gets up after a fall, it’s not physics, it’s character!
So never give up!!!
Zubaruk Nazariy
The story of a journalist.
These questions are answered by Oleh Zubaruk, a sports journalist for the Express newspaper.
Oleg, tell us about yourself. Where did you study and what was your path to working at the Express newspaper?
-I graduated from the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. I graduated from the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Faculty of Journalism. I proved myself during my studies and was invited to work in the newspaper’s editorial office. It was my first serious work experience.
What was the key to choosing your profession?
-Love for sports and love and respect for the Ukrainian language, for the pure Ukrainian language.
Is your profession difficult, and if so, why?
-No, my profession is not difficult at all, because it brings me a lot of pleasure. Since childhood I have adored sports, and now I continue to be fond of it, and I am still paid for it. Thanks to my profession, I get to know the world, meet interesting people. I am happy and see no difficulties.
How many hours a day do you work?
-It depends. On Mondays from early morning until late in the evening, and on other days much less, a few hours. But even on weekends I write one article for the website, and it takes at least two hours.
What kind of materials do you find most interesting to write?
-Interview. It’s very important to find the right words at a meeting, to ask the right questions.
Which person impressed you the most?
– I was most impressed by the interview with Vitali Klitschko at the peak of his popularity, after the fight with Lennox Lewis. At that time he was out of reach of Ukrainian journalists. I accidentally managed to find his contacts. He was very surprised that I had his phone number, because he doesn’t give interviews on the phone, but he made an exception for me, because his first love, named Lyuba, was from Lviv. We talked for a long time and then agreed to meet him and his brother Volodymyr in Kyiv.
Which sport is the most favorite for the readers of your newspaper?
-Definitely, football, because it is the most popular and mass sport in Ukraine. In my opinion, boxing and biathlon are also in the top three. However, I try to make sure that our readers are aware of unpopular sports, such as darts, badminton or table tennis.
What are your recommendations for aspiring journalists?
-Journalism is a vocation. If you don’t want to become a journalist in your heart, you will waste your time at the journalism faculty and risk working in a different field after graduation. And even if you do feel drawn to journalism, be prepared for challenges and possibly disappointment.
Kondrakhina Iryna
Folyush Tereza Yozhefivna
This is my great aunt who encourages me to develop myself and inspires me with her determination and perseverance. Despite her age, she is a private entrepreneur, the owner of the VizyTer travel agency. She is a certified film director, economist and journalist. For me, she is an example of women’s wisdom, proper business management and a wonderful mother.
– Knowing your daily routine and hard work, the question arises, what is your motivation, what drives you every day?
– Since childhood, I have been used to living in harmony with myself, loving myself and doing what I love. Never to go against my own desires, but also to ignore any disagreements. Take small steps, but confidently move towards your dreams.
– What are your goals for the future?
– Fortunately, I am used to thinking globally. My goals cannot be achieved in a short period of time, but the way to achieve them is through small auxiliary goals that serve as stepping stones to the finish line. However, having achieved them, I definitely set new ones, because it encourages me to work continuously. At the moment, my goal is to develop a tourist network.
– Does a difficult childhood affect your life?
– Yes, indeed. At the age of 14, I became an orphan. However, this did not stop me from getting two degrees, becoming a mother, and opening and developing my own business. Although it was difficult and sometimes I gave up, the desire for self-realization prevailed and encouraged me to keep going.
– How do you manage to be a great mother, look so good, and work successfully in two fields?
– A woman can do anything! And it’s true, because a modern woman can really do more than she thinks. At work, the main thing is to properly allocate your time and clearly know your tasks. In the family, you need to draw inspiration and receive “magic pills” of joy that give you the inspiration to move forward. Being a mother is a perpetual motion machine that never stops. After all, it is only to children that we want to give more than we had.
Olena Motsna
An interview with Olena Motsna, my mother, who is an example of a strong woman and a support for me.
Have you ever experienced self-disdain? How did you react?
-I have never experienced direct disrespect as such. Maybe some kind of caution towards me. In the 8th grade, I moved to a physical education class, which is a period of groups, teenagers, and I am a teacher’s child. They didn’t know what to expect from me. But I did nothing about it, and I proved by my actions and deeds that everything was fine.
If you had the opportunity to give up everything, what would you do?
-Volunteering. I would help doctors in countries that are very poor. I’m drawn to medicine, it’s something in me.
Have you ever had or do you have people who inspired you?
-No, I didn’t, and I definitely don’t have any now. I don’t remember a person to whom I aspired.
Maybe a quote?
– “It doesn’t matter how many days you have in your life, it’s how much life you have in your days that matters.”
Have you given up on your childhood dreams?
-Yes, I did. Because there were no opportunities. It was a more conscious dream, I wanted to study at a medical institute.
What would you tell your younger self?
-Don’t give up on your dreams.
What is your motivation for waking up every morning?
– “How much life is in your days” 🙂
How would you respond to irrational comments from other people?
-I wouldn’t answer anything, to be honest. I would do everything the way I think is right. Maybe I would give in to those comments if they didn’t change something radically in my vision.
Kateryna Nykylyshyn
Kostiv Liubov Viktorivna is the director of the People’s House in Dobriany village and the founder of the Youth Association “Activate”. I am very inspired by this woman not only as an active public figure but also as a strong personality.
– Why did you decide to work with young people?
It’s very simple: I like it. When I see young people’s eyes burning, I want to do more and more to ensure that this light never goes out.
– How did you get the idea to create a youth space?
Actually, I had the idea a long time ago. Ever since my childhood and the childhood of my children, I realized that young people need a place where they can spend their time with benefit. For a long time we worked without a space, but it so happened that fate smiled on us and we had the opportunity to create a place where young people could have a cultural rest, and most importantly, benefit from it.
– Were there moments when you lacked motivation?
Yes, there are still such moments. The reason for this is the lack of like-minded people, no, of course there are like-minded people, but there are very few of them, because not everyone is ready to live for the community and not all people are ready to be real volunteers. It is also sometimes difficult to convey to people that this is necessary for building a strong state.
– Do you enjoy working with young people?
Very much, I feel that this is my calling. Young people are the people who can change the world for the better, and the main thing is to help them do it.
– Did you face any difficulties on the way to your goal?
Difficulties arise all the time, they are a part of our lives because we have to learn all the time. The biggest challenge I faced was digitalization.
– What do you do when you give up?
Personally, nature and music help me. Also, the support and understanding of close people is very important, it can be friends or family.
– Do you depend on public opinion?
No, I believe that everyone should have their own opinion and do what they want and think is right for them, and doing what is considered “right” is not wise, because it puts you in a box and prevents you from developing further.
Anna Orikhivska
Today I interviewed a person who inspires me. For me, this person is my mom. Throughout her life, my mother has set many goals for herself and always went for them.
I asked her a couple of questions that she was happy to answer:
Who supported you in difficult moments?
The biggest support I received was from myself, I always told myself that “after a black streak, there will always be a white one” and after falling, I always got up and kept going.
What was the most important goal for you in life?
To be a decent and honorable person and a good friend to my child.
What motivated you to pursue your goal?
I never gave up on myself so that my child could have everything in the future. I worked hard, and now I have achieved that my child has everything! And I can safely say that I have fulfilled my task.
What would you advise people to never give up?
Everyone should set a goal for themselves and do everything possible to achieve it. If a person does not have a goal, then we can say that their life is in vain.
Lyshnyanska Yuliana
Iryna Stepanivna Shymin is my class teacher, history teacher, my support, my pillar of strength. She is a person who always encourages me to dream and helps me to act.
What subjects were your favorite at school?
In middle school: geography and Ukrainian language. And then, in the 10th and 11th grades, history.
What were your hobbies at school?
I loved traveling, music, and books. I read mostly adventure books.
Do you remember how you earned your first money?
Of course I do… At school, I used to collect various medicinal plants, take them to the pharmacy, and we would get paid for them. Most people did that. As for my student years, my mom had a small business (trade and service) and I worked all winter, and I had a scholarship, of course.
What do you like most about your job?
Constant contact with young people, interesting conversations always inspire me to work harder, as well as conversations with teachers who have a lot of experience behind them, communication with people, various meetings that I often attend, and of course when you see the result. When students become successful and win various competitions in the course of their studies and further in the future, when they thank you when they meet you for being in their lives.
What do you do in your free time?
I love traveling, but I want it to be for the soul. I love to read, I can’t go anywhere without books now. I like to go to the mountains – it’s such a relaxation, rest and energy boost. However, I don’t have much free time, although it’s cool.
Now let’s fantasize a bit. If you could travel in time, where would you go?
I would travel to the future, of course, there are many inconsistencies in the past, but you can learn a lot of mistakes that can happen in the future, and we can prevent them.
Natalia Tverdiak
Alya Korolyuk is a person who has been inspiring me for a long time, a girl who has achieved great success at her age, is engaged in the commodity business and brings her projects to life 🤲🏼
Why this particular field/type of income?
I like to create something of my own, my own little shop, I like to communicate with people, I like to place orders, in general, I generally enjoy this area, despite the fact that the business is built on people, there can be many problems, misunderstandings, etc.) I plan to change the field a little bit now, but I will definitely not leave the product, it will always be relevant)
How did you come to such a crazy result?
it’s not quite a crazy result, I started at 11 to distribute advertisements on the street to buy a new phone, and then it took a while, I learned about the commodity business, studied the field for more than two years, as there was very little information on the Internet, I did not buy courses, I studied everything myself, in general, I did everything on experience and according to my own strategies, somehow it started to work out, although I spent a lot of money, but nothing is great without failures, later it took a while, so now I get a buzz that I chose business, not studying or something else) although our family is the simplest, before my parents could not afford to buy me something, and now I can afford and can buy what I need)
Was there a moment when you wanted to give up, when you had no motivation/inspiration? if so, what stopped you?
yes, there was) when I did not feel support in my direction) but one day I realized that I work for myself, I do everything for myself, I have to succeed, I got up from the couch and started working)
Was there any support from family/friends?
No, there was none) everyone said that it was nonsense, I was only embarrassing my family because I was not studying, and all day and night I was studying a business that would not bring anything, in which I would not succeed) in general, even now, they say I don’t care what they think, I listen to people who have achieved more than I have, and people who have achieved less will pull you down, and successful people will pull you up, to the heights)
Since many people know you in the social media space, have you ever been hated in social networks? How did you deal with it?
Yes, there is always hate, and there will always be hate, people don’t like successful people, they all think it’s easy, that we are just lucky, or that everything is done for us, and we just walk around, if they saw my whole path, all the work, etc. there would be much less hate) but as practice shows, a hater loves you much more than a fan.
How does it feel to be a person who motivates peers?
You know, I don’t really like to stand out among others there, I buy ordinary clothes, I don’t have the latest iPhone, etc., but I really like the fact that teenagers are motivated. I want to change our attitude towards young people a little bit, I want them to be respected, to think about something, to go for a goal, to ignore their age, etc. Nowadays, many people get high from alcohol, parties, etc., but they don’t think about the future, about their lives (it’s strange, as for me, because the sooner you start doing something, the sooner you will thank yourself for devoting time to yourself, not others), but here is everyone’s opinion, it should be respected, not humiliated) in general, you should always remain a human being, regardless of status)
First victory in this field, what are your emotions/feelings?
cool, very cool, I ran around the apartment, squeaked, was very happy, realized that now there is no turning back)
Goals/plans for the near future?
to open one large-scale project, to get freedom of action)
Do you have a motivating quote?
I don’t know if it’s more of a quote, but it’s my statement, so to speak) “I always thank the people who told me “no”, that’s why I achieved everything myself) ”
What advice would you give to others?
despite all the failures, never give up, even if there is no support, etc.) you have you, and you can do it, you do it for yourself, not for someone else, it’s up to you to decide what you will have) do not expect everything to come by itself, it does not happen, you have to work hard)
Борисюк Поліна
Пані Леся Бугера – директорка польської школи м. Стрия, вчителька початкових класів стрийської школи №1.
– Що Вас останнім часом здивувало приємно?
– Бажання моїх учнів знати більше, тобто дистанційне навчання нас не віддали до, а навпаки зблизило. Змінилося моє оточення та життєві цінності.
– Судити людину можна тільки за її вчинки, але не останню роль грає досвід, який людина виносить з життєвих подій. Опишіть випадок з життя, який Вас чогось навчив.
– Це напевно буде той момент,коли я захворіла на коронавірус, це була важка форма. Багато чого я зрозуміла за цей час, так як спілкування було обмеженим, я нібито була одна, хоча самотньою не почувалася зовсім. Я тепер більше звертаю увагу на природу, навчилася говорити «ні» навчилася розставляти приорітети, що є найважливіше, що може бути другорядне. Кожна хвилинка має бути чимось заповнена, чи це наприклад я спостерігаю за небом, чи квітами, чи насолоджуюся спілкуванням, чи теж читання книг, тобто навчилася більше цінувати життя і те що в ньому є.
– У кожного в скарбничці є фрази, які запам’яталися, яке Ваше життєве кредо?
– Мені дуже подобаються слова святого Яна Павла 2 : «Людина є великою не через те, що має, чим володіє, ким є, а тільки через те чим ділиться з іншими.»
– Яке у Вас хобі?
– Моє хобі це подорожі, читання книг.
– Яку професію Ви хотіли мати у дитинстві?
– Я завжди хотіла бути вчителькою, але не могла зорієнтуватися чи вчителькою початкових класів, чи вчителькою української мови та літератури. Але вчителькою однозначно.
– Що спонукало Вас обрати шлях педагогіки?
– Ну мабуть найбільш повпливала порада моєї мами, вона теж вчителька початкових класів, філолог. Потім я побачила що мені дуже комфортно спілкуватись з дітьми будь-якого віку. Мері цікаво з ними не тільки навчатися, а й спілкуватися, подорожувати, ну і це надихнуло продовжувати в тому ж руслі.
– Чи вважаєте Ви школу польської мови, яку ви очолюєте вдалим проєктом?
– Так, це дуже вдалий та успішний проект, тому що саме тут діти мають можливість не тільки вивчати польську мову, а теж пробувати свої сили в різних міжнародних проектах. Пандемія обмежила певну діяльність, але до пандемії було дуже багато міжнародних проектів, де кожен міг випробувати себе не тільки у спілкуванні з ровесниками, а теж наприклад свої знання в економіці, мистецтві, педагогіці, навіть навчанні закордоном.
– Як на Вашу думку пандемія Covid-19 змінила освіту? Які переваги і в чому недоліки?
– Переваги:
-навчатись потрібно всім, не тільки учням, а й вчителям;
-доступ до вузів онлайн;
-чітко зрозуміло хто хоче знати більше;
-є різноманітні курси;
-можливість зекономити.
Недоліки:
-відсутність живого спілкування;
-відсутність живих емоцій;
-не всі мають доступ до інтернету/відповідні пристрої.
– Що для Вас є успіх?
– Успіх це коли усі з ким ти працюєш, з ким ти спілкуєшся, задоволені своїм навчанням чи роботою, їм приносить це задоволення.
– На Вашу думку розвинена особистість – це…
– Розвинена особистість-це людина, яка не боїться ділитись своїми знаннями, не шкодує віддати своїх знань, приділити на це час , яка вміє спілкуватися на кількох мовах, яка любить подорожувати, яка ж комунікативна, вміє знайти спільну мову з усіма незалежно від віку.
– Якщо б ви могли стати персонажем книги, або фільму, ким би ви стали?
– Я б хотіла бути ангелом охоронцем.
Дорота Христина
Дорота Роман – мій батько. Людина яка мене надихає та спонукає до правильних рішень.
Як справи?
Все гаразд.
Розкажи щось про свої дитячі роки.
В школі вчився добре, ганяв футбол, охоче займався легкою атлетикою у вільний час. А ще іноді писав вірші і добре грав на акордеоні.
Ким ти хотів стати в дитинстві?
Спортсменом. Я часто їздив на змагання по бігу на короткі дистанції та займав перші місця.
Яку вищу освіту ти отримав?
Вищу освіту я отримав у Львівській Комерційній Академії за спеціальністю «Захист прав споживача»
Твоя перша професія?
Я пішов по спеціальності – товарознавцем
Чим ти любиш займатись зараз?
Як би не складалось моє життя я люблю займатись спортом. Отримую задоволення від плавання
Що тебе спонукає до досягнення мети?
Підтримка сім’ї і майбутній результат
Твоє ставлення до шкідливих звичок?
Після негативного досвіду куріння, активно пропагандую здоровий спосіб життя
Мета твого життя?
Повноцінно проживати кожен день свого життя та не втрачати жодної хвилинки на марно
Ільченко Арсен
Гук Наталія Миронівна — вчитель початкових класів, перш за все розумна, щира та красива жінка, що є кращою вчителькою з небагатьох, яка мене надихала та надихає по сьогоднішній день. Ось кілька запитань, які я задав їй під час нашої бесіди.
Який стаж вашої роботи у школі?
В цій школі я вже працюю уже 27 років. Та мені здається що неправильно рахувати роботу роками, адже кожен клас, який я беру під своє опікунство, дивує мене як у перший раз.
Чому саме малі діти?
Це напевно сімейне, тому що моя мама була вчителем, хоча не початкових класів, а просто працювала в школі і вона мені приносила старі класні журнали. Згадуються приємні моменти, коли саджала ляльок, плюшевих медведиків і їх навчала. Можна сказати що так це мрія мого дитинства – стати вчителем.
Наскільки вам подобається ваша робота? І чи виснажуєтесь під час робочої зміни, адже з малими дітьми так не посидиш, як з дорослими.
Моя відповідь – ні. Справа вчителя молодших класів приносить мені задоволення. А залежить це від того, що працюю я якраз з малими дітьми, а не старшими. Адже малі діти є безпосередні, та як той білий аркуш паперу – не зіпсуті, хоча я не проти праці з більш дорослими дітлахами. Та і справа в тому, що кожні чотири роки я ніби омолоджуюсь, бо приходять нові діти, нове покоління, а ти мусиш їх розуміти, вони є свого роду вчителем для мене, і кожен новий набір не тільки вони навчаються чомусь новому, а й я теж щось беру для себе, при цьому отримуючи задоволення.
Чи були у вас такі учні які вам запам’ятались найбільше?
Скажу, Арсене, тобі, таку річ: кожна дитина є особистістю, і кожну дитину я пам’ятаю, кожна дитина чимось відзначилась, нема гарних дітей і нема поганих; усі діти хороші, просто їх треба любити, коли ти дітей любиш – ти їх розумієш – а вони чують тебе, тому якщо я зараз візьму всі фотографії своїх випускників, а мій першій набір приводить вже своїх дітей, то я можу про кожну дитину розказати, кожна дитина чимось запам’яталась та є що згадати.
Наталіє Миронівно, дякую вам за приділений час! Гарного вам для і хороших учнів!
Ратальський Артур
Герега Юрій-мій двоюрідний брат, інвестор, хороший радник і хороша людина.
1)Саме перше давай ти розкажеш щось про себе.
Я-Юрій, мені 25 років і я інвестор. Я у 18 років полетів з братом на практику в Америку і залишилися в США жити. На даний момент ми проживаємо в Чикаго. Мені дуже подобається Америка.
2)Вав! Ти так рано переїхав в іншу країну і почав жити самостійно. Це чудово. Як тобі було в цей момент?
Насправді було трохи страшно, але я був з братом, тому ми трималися і допомагали один одному.
3)Це добре, але як ти себе реалізовував в невідомій для тебе країні?
Я з самого дитинства горю думкою про заробіток великих коштів. Америка дає ці можливості. На самому початку влаштувався на дві роботи(одна основна і друга підробіток), але згодом зрозумів, що для заробітку великих коштів не особливо багато заробляти, а треба більше відкладати. Так я почав інвестувати і мені це допомогло накопичувати і примножувати капітал. В цьому світі 99% проблем вирішується через гроші. І треба з молодого віку думати де їх дістати. Щоб мати багато грошей треба: навчитися унікальних і високопотребуваних здібностей. Наприклад: IT, інженерія, футбол грати краще всіх і тд; створювати продукт або торгувати ним, або інвестувати в ассет який принесе високий прибуток на інвестицію.
4)Це неймовірна історія! З якими труднощами стикався, як ти їх проходив і який урок взяв з цього?
В Америці великі податки, і чим більше ти заробляєш тим більше ти віддаєш, саме тому я прийшов до інвестицій.
5)Яку ти можеш дати мені порадити?
Найважливіше це мати правильний світогляд і реально дивитися на речі. Тому раджу змінювати свій світогляд, не чекати поки закінчиш школу, потім університет і роботу. КРАЩЕ ВСЬОГО ПОЧИНАТИ ДУМАТИ ПРО СВОЄ МАЙБУТНЄ З РАННЬОГО ВІКУ!
Мороз Романа
Моя вчителька хореографії, про її нелегкий шлях до цілі, невдачі, перемоги, критику.
Ірина Миколаївна — людина, яка стала для мене прикладом того, що потрібно рухатись до своєї цілі не дивлячись ні на що. Тому я задала декілька запитань, на які вона з радістю погодилась відповісти.
Чому саме хореографія?
Хореографія — такий вид мистецтва, в якому поєднано все: музику, танці, театральне мистецтво, дизайн одягу.
Ти стаєш свого роду сам собі режисер… Робота з колективом мені дуже подобається і надихає, саме там я можу бути сама собою, придумувати різні постановки, втілювати всі свої творчі задуми через музику і танець, працю з дітьми.
В мене в дипломі написано — вчитель музики, але в душі я завжди мріяла працювати в хореографічному напрямку, і коли в мене з’явилася можливість експериментувати, я вирішила, на свій страх і ризик спробувати працювати з колективом!
Був період коли ви хотіли опустити руки, що вас зупинило?
Період опустити руки був, і я не заперечую, що він може бути ще не раз! Але коли принаймі одна людина в тебе вірить і чекає твого тріумфу, ти усвідомлюєш, що здатись ти не можеш… На якийсь час це допоможе, але вічно так тривати не буде, тому рано чи пізно тобі прийдеться залишитись один на один із собою, і якщо ти дійсно любиш свою професію, то в такі моменти коли опускаються руки, ти повинна сама відшукати відповідь в собі, і бути впевнена, що ти на правильному шляху тому треба йти далі з новими ідеями і здивувати всіх!
З якими труднощами вам довелось зустрітись віч-на-віч?
Труднощі були в організаційних моментах, а також дисципліна з дітьми, над цим я працюю і сьогодні. Досить важким моментом залишається те, щоб не принизити когось з дітей! Наскільки я зрозуміла, що у дітей занижується самооцінка коли хвалиш когось одного (найчастіше це проявляється в дітей 6-10 років), а для мене важливо, щоб кожна дитина вірила в себе, власні можливості, і щоб діти розуміли,що праця — гарантія удосконалити себе; а талант — можливість, яку використовують не всі!
Розкажіть про першу перемогу, які емоції відчували в той момент?
Перша перемога для мене була тоді, коли мій колектив брав участь в конкурсі (назву не пам’ятаю оскільки це було давно), тоді нас підтвердили на наступний тур. Відбір проходив у Стрию, а наступний мав бути у Львові. Вибравши колективи які пройшли далі, судді стали зачитувати тих, хто має готуватись їхати у Львів. Почувши колектив “КАЛИНА” я перебувала в справжньому ступорі, із закамянілим лицем, без посмішки, одним словом “ШОК“, адже серед справжніх хореографів з освітою, міських дітей, вибрали мій колектив. Коли я вийшла до дітей, перше що мене запитали було: “Пройшли?“ сказавши “Так“ в них були справжні радісні емоції, які не можливо було приховати. А до мене усвідомлення радості прийшло на наступний день… Тоді я зрозуміла, що не важливо звідки ти, скільки коштує костюм, найголовніше це передати глядачу справжню, щиру емоцію!
Був хейт в вашу сторону, як на нього реагували?
Було і таке, але тут треба йти до своєї мрії та мети, яку ти собі поставила, адже завжди знайдеться той, в кого буде інша думка! В цей момент запитай сама себе, що є поганого в тому чим ти захоплена, і про що мрієш… В роботі з дітьми важливо який приклад ти подаєш як людина, а вже тоді як професіонал в своїй справі. Можна реагувати на хейт, відповідати, доказувати, пояснювати, але найкраще, що ти можеш зробити — працювати над собою, і переконати всіх таким чином, а не пустими словами.
Було правило якого ви дотримувались впродовж того часу, якщо так то яке?
В мене і в роботі і в житті є одне правило — у всьому прошу Божої допомоги, благословення і прощення. В багатьох ситуаціях треба просто прислухатися до свого серця!
Яку пораду може дати іншим?
Треба завжди залишатися доброю людиною! Людські якості в житті важливіші ніж професійні, тому в роботі треба працювати над професійним вдосконаленням і зростом, а в житті над тим, щоб стати духовно сильним, і тоді будь-які труднощі буде легше подолати.
Дарина Люба
Анастасія Гуля
