For all Ukrainian educators, the first Sunday in November is a special day as they celebrate their professional holiday. The Faculty FPSC of SumDU brings together great teachers, talented scientists, practitioners, wise mentors, and, simply to say, amazing people. Who can better tell us about teachers than their graduates?

In this article, we have compiled several quotes from graduates of different years and the specialties of the faculty. These people became the heroes of the project «Look back at yourself in the audience», dedicated to the 75th anniversary of SumDU. Graduates warmly and gratefully share stories about their favourite young and mature teachers, some of whom are still actively working at the faculty. Unfortunately, some of them have gone on to a better place. 

Yurii Teniieshvili was the first student journalist who came on an exchange study programme to SumDU. Thinking back to his education, he said that each subject and each teacher gave him something unique.  

«We have many exciting educators at our department, but I can't forget about Vasyl Vasylovych Chubur. He wasn't just a teacher; he was our buddy. He was good at giving some advice and recommending how to act in different situations. Undoubtedly, I respected every academic staff member, but Chubur was the man I respected the most. I believe no one could take offense at my words, as people know what kind of person he was.

I often think about Hanna Pavlivna Kalantaievska and her cute kitty. Despite her being too demanding regarding my knowledge of the Ukrainian language, we had great discussions and conversations on various topics, such as political or social themes.

Also, we keep in touch with Volodymyr Oleksiiovych Sadivnychyi. When I was a student, we weren't so close, as I sometimes skipped his classes. However, I would then come and cover several topics at once.» - Yurii shared his reminiscences with us.

Graduate translator Anna Tereshchenko is currently living and working in Saudi Arabia. We asked her a question about which teachers she remembers the most, and she answered in this way: 

«Vitalii Dorda had been a young teacher when we met. He was on the same wavelength with his students. The emphasis in lessons was focused on the practical application of English, and that was so interesting and informative. For example, Vitalii Oleksandrovych assigned us a task to translate a tagline effectively to capture customers' attention and persuade those who haven't made up their minds yet to make a purchase. It was the unsurpassed experience of working and improving oneself over five years. 

Besides, Nina Chernyk was a famous educator in our department. Unfortunately, she passed away, but she was the person who gave us the basics of linguistics. Most students experienced anxiety and stress; their hearts were definitely in their mouths during her classes. I was as cool as a cucumber because I was hell-bent on this subject. 

Svitlana Baranova was my supervisor of the diploma thesis. Her assistance has been invaluable, and I'm really thankful for that.

The youngest character in our article is Daiana Tarasiuk, a graduate in "Psychology". She graduated from SumDU several years ago, but now she is actively involved in educating future psychologists. That's why we want to congratulate Dayana on her first Teacher's Day at the Faculty FPSC. When she recalls her mentors and teachers from the past, she says:

«The fact that our teachers have a good attitude toward students is unquestionable. In my opinion, they treated us as their own children. According to this, I can't single out one of them; I liked the teaching staff. If I had to choose, I would select Ulunova Hanna Yevhenivna. She was my academic supervisor, and we accomplished many valuable things from my third year in university until graduation».

The Faculty FPSC of SumDU wishes all teachers to be loved and respected by students, to find pleasure in their work, to enjoy pleasant communication with the youth, and to have unforgettable meetings with graduates!

We wish the best teachers in the galaxy a fantastic journey of success and happiness!