A KSU PhD student wrote a letter on behalf of Hryhorii Skovoroda with an appeal to modern students
Students of Kherson State University continue to delight with their creativity and love for Ukraine. On June 4, an assessment was held for PhD students from the course «Historical aspects of the development of pedagogical education».
«I received professional pleasure from the reflections, critical thinking, and modern view on education of students Roman Sagan, Kateryna Popova, Illia Drozhenko, and Yevheniia Revenko,», - shared Lyubov Petukhova, Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy at KSU.
As an example of a creative approach to a credit test, she cited the presentation by PhD student Yevheniia Revenko, who, while presenting her topic, presented a Letter on behalf of Hryhorii Skovoroda to modern students.
We provide the text of the letter:
«Dear students of Kherson State University!&em>
I am writing to you across the centuries, because true values do not grow old. Nations, borders, technologies, and methods of learning change, but the main question of human life remains unchanged: who are you and why did you come into this world?&em>
You have been called to study in a difficult time. You are receiving an education amidst war, fear, uncertainty, and constant challenges. Your university was forced to leave its native Kherson, but it has not lost its spirit, its community, and its mission. And in this, I see great strength. For a true university is not walls, but people who strive for knowledge and remain faithful to themselves and their values.&em>
I often said: «Know thyself». That is why my first advice to you is—do not study merely for the sake of a diploma. Study to understand your abilities, to find your calling and your place in the world. The world needs not just specialists, but people who love what they do and feel responsibility for what they do.&em>
This is especially important for you, students of a university that is part of the Kherson region. Today your region is undergoing severe trials. But it is you who hold its future. Among you are future teachers, psychologists, journalists, programmers, artists, scientists, and perhaps, managers. Each of you can make a contribution to the reconstruction of the Kherson region and Ukraine.&em>
I believed in «appropriate labor»—work according to one's calling. Do not choose a profession merely because it is popular or prestigious. Choose that which your heart leans toward. For only a person who has found their vocation is capable of working with pleasure and bringing benefit to society, and not just to themselves.&em>
The modern world offers you unlimited access to information. But remember: knowledge and wisdom are not the same thing. You can find an answer to almost any question on the internet, in ChatGPT, but no technology will teach you how to be honest, responsible, and humane. Therefore, develop not only your mind but, above all—your heart.&em>
I know that many of you are studying far from home, and some have never even seen the Kherson university. However, do not forget your roots. Love for one's native land begins with the memory of it, with the desire to preserve its culture, people, and traditions.&em>
Take care of each other. Help one another. The true strength of a person is manifested not in defeating another, but in supporting those who are nearby. This is how a community is formed, capable of withstanding even the most difficult times, just as the students and faculty of Kherson State University are doing.&em>
And one more piece of advice. Do not let circumstances define your future. The world once tried to catch me with its temptations, but I said: «The world caught me, but did not capture me». Let neither difficulties, fear, a neighbor, nor despair break you. Maintain your inner freedom, your own dignity, and faithfulness to your convictions.&em>
I believe that the knowledge you acquire today will become the foundation for the rebirth of the Kherson region and Ukraine. And perhaps it is your generation that will return to the native land not only peace but also new opportunities for the development of science, education, and culture.&em>
Seek your appropriate labor. Know thyself. Love Ukraine. Love Kherson. And remember: true happiness begins when a person lives in harmony with themselves, with their calling, and brings benefit to others.&em>
With respect and gratitude to the future generation,&em>
with faith in victory, good, and a better future,&em>
Hryhorii Skovoroda&em>
We are proud of our students!
For reference:
Hryhorii Skovoroda (1722–1794) — a prominent Ukrainian philosopher, poet, and educator. He created an original ethical teaching, laid the foundations of Ukrainian classical philosophy, and left a rich literary heritage. His ideas on freedom and self-knowledge remain relevant to this day.
In particular—he created the concept of «appropriate labor»: He taught that true happiness and human calling lie in engaging in one's beloved work, to which one has natural abilities.