“There is joy solely in art – all the other things are vanity”. Dina Shvedkina graduated from Department of Economics of the SUSU’s constituent in Zlatoust in 2005, but her love to art brought her to becoming a Director of the Palace of Culture Metallurg.
-How did you choose your specialty and the university?
- For a long time I have been dreaming about acting and singing career. I was drawn to art, to beauty. I guess every girl imagines herself on a stage wearing a beautiful dress. But the logic of life was dictating another way. After discussion with my parents I decided to apply for the Department of Economics, choosing a specialty that was practical and always required. As SUSU is the only university in Zlatoust, I got enrolled there. It is SUSU that led me to diploma with honors. At the university I realized that I am capable of many things.
- What is the most memorable episode of your student life?
- As it is for any student, my life at the university was very eventful. Five years of lections, practice trainings, term papers, “incredible” professors, crazy campus life, united group of people that we still keep in touch with, and, of course, endless student events. I recall with gratitude our professor of Engineering Graphics, Ryabova Irina Petrovna. Her wisdom, tactfulness and support had always energized us, students, and made us willing to study. The most vivid memory is associated with thesis defense. I vividly remember my presentations, answers to the examination board’s questions, remember going outside with the thought spinning inside my head: “I got ‘A’ for my defense!” I felt such freedom that I have never felt before.
- How did you professional career evolve after the graduation?
- After getting my diploma, I landed a paid halftime position as a teacher at the SUSU’s Department of Economics. I got provided with the job for the period of three years, I taught freshman students and extramural students. That is when I realized what it means to be a teacher, I have experienced everything from within. It is not so easy to maintain auditorium’s attention. And what a responsibility it is! Aside from teaching, I used to work at the National Park Taganay, climbing career ladder from a guide to the Head of the Tourism Department, all because I couldn’t imagine my life without nature, without the beauty of the forest. But still my craving for art took over, so I’ve exchanged the teaching and tourism spheres to the sphere of culture. I am fully aware of what a demanding challenge I am facing – to help people unlocking their potential for maximum. I believe that there is a creative personality living in every one of us. You just need to hear your inner creator.
- What would you wish for SUSU students and graduates?
- I would like to wish them never lose their hearts. We come around difficulties to overcome them and become stronger. You should remember that there are no unsolvable problems.