Freshmen-media students of the Department of Journalism and Philology of FPSC SSU met with a graduate, a journalist of the online publication “Tribune” Alexandra Tokar. The guest shared practical experience on the peculiarities of working in the media, in particular in medical and social journalism, as well as told about the years of study.

Alexandra Tokar is primarily known for her journalistic work, which covers the stories of vulnerable populations. Among the characters of her publications are people with disabilities, drug addicts, HIV-infected people, workers in the sex industry. She explained to first-year students why she chose this direction in journalism as follows: drug addiction, HIV-infected people, sex workers. She explained to freshmen why she chose this direction in journalism as follows:

– Since childhood, I wanted to be a medical worker, but did not dare to enter such a specialty. However, she continued to read patient stories. This topic is still interesting to me.

During the conversation with students, Oleksandra Tokar paid considerable attention to the ethical side of journalism: the rules of confidentiality, the ability to morally adjust to meeting different people, to master yourself. She focused on the peculiarities of communication with the heroes of future materials, especially when these are difficult topics, and also emphasized the journalist's responsibility to society:

– Medical and social issues are comfortable for me. I’m not nervous during the interview, but I’m always worried about whether the material will hurt the person in the text.

The graduate recalled her years of study with warmth and pride. Noting that even today he sometimes consults with teachers of the department.

– When it came time to apply to the university, – said Alexandra Tokar, – the first and only specialty that I chose was journalism at Sumy State University. Each year of study was very interesting and rich for me, and the acquired knowledge was really impressive and still is impressive. For me, studying at the Department of Journalism and Philology is an invaluable experience!

The graduate also shared advice on further employment and noted that the student should look for and choose the format of work that he can afford.

– I sincerely advise you to try yourself in journalism, not to look for easier ways, not to go to other areas. There are many professions related to the media. So look for yourself, try to try everything. If you do not have a knack for one, there is always the opportunity to try something else. Focus on journalism, despite the difficulties that may arise at work. The main thing is not to be afraid on the way to the dream business, – said Oleksandra Tokar.

In general, during the meeting, students of the Department of Journalism and Philology of the Faculty of  FPSC SSU learned more about the practical component of journalism and the basics of professional activity, and were pleasantly surprised by the exciting experience of the graduate, which motivates and inspires.

That’s right, by example, we teach.

Diana BOZHKO, Taisiya KOTLYAR, ZhT-11