On September 8th , Freshman’s Day was held at the Department of Journalism and Philology of the Faculty FPSC, SSU. It is symbolic that it was celebrated on the International Day of Journalists’ Solidarity (international day of solidarity for journalists, correspondents and reporters). 

The department’s community has been filled with new faces! This year, 45 applicants are willing to study the peculiarities of journalism. Even today, they – the students – have gone deep into the learning process and conquer the media tops. However, there should be a good start for the good work! And what start can we talk about without a kind of initiation to a favorite cause?

The form of the event also became symbolic – the future journalists were discovering their profession through the first press conference in their lives. Volodymyr Sadivnychyi, the head of the Department of Journalism and Philology and Alla Fedoryna, the lecturer of the Department and Honored Journalist of Ukraine were the moderators of the event. Participants and speakers were both lecturers and specially invited guests.

Yuliia Opanasenko (Viunnyk), a journalist for the online magazine TsUKR and Yuliia Haidina, a columnist for the Ukrinform news agency, visited the University. Natalka Andreiko (Mednikova), manager of the Bukmol literary club and Uliana Driuchkova, a freelance television journalist, joined the conversation online. Graduates shared memories of years of study at their home department, their own experience and gave freshmen some advice on future work in the field of journalism.

Yuliia Haidina advised future pen sharks to be erudite and always ready for any events and situations that may occur in professional life.

– I advise you not to lose the opportunities that come your way in life – whether it is interesting people, projects or learning. Try to know more, learn more and also do not be afraid to “take risks” to gain new experience, – advised the graduate.

Natalka Andreiko (Mednikova) noted that the most important thing is not to lose faith in yourself, faith in the need for a profession. She also advised students to look for a niche in journalism in which they can realize their potential.

The graduate Yuliia Opanasenko (Viunnyk) noted that her student years taught her to think critically. The journalist called it a must-have skill for every media person:

– I wish you to perfect your skills in any available and possible way. Fall in love with your profession and love people, because that’s what you work for, - she advised.

Uliana Driuchkova noted that the lecturers of the Department provide great opportunities for professional realization, so students are required only to have the desire to act, try their hand and practice in their profession every day.

Vasyl Chubur, a poet and editor-in-chief of the university newspaper “Rezonans”, also joined the conversation. He invited freshmen to collaborate with the newspaper, as it is a great opportunity to practice in the future profession since university.

At the end of the meeting, the graduates handed the students notebooks with the Department’s symbols – a necessary tool in the work of every mass-media worker.

The Department of Journalism and Philology of the Faculty FPSC, SSU wishes freshmen students a good start, constant creativity, inspiration and new achievements in an interesting and important profession for the whole world.