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Regular version of the site

“Students about Students”: Anastasia Zubkova about Volunteering

The life of political science students is not only about lectures and seminars. That is why we are very interested to learn more about the interests, creative hobbies and extracurricular activities of students from our educational program. Perhaps, after learning about the experience of others one will find a new hobby.Our new section "Students about students" is opened with an interview from a second-year student of the EP "Political Science and world politics" Anastasia Zubkova.

“Students about Students”: Anastasia Zubkova about Volunteering

 – Anastasia, are you interested in any extracurricular activity?

I like to volunteer, to interact with people and help them. Especially at some important events, such as the St. Petersburg International Academic Forum. It is useful for different purposes, helps to look at yourself from different perspectives and find yourself.

–When did you start volunteering?

Since I was at school. Between the 10th and 11th grade I was involved in AIESEC. It is a student international organization offering socially oriented internships. I was a volunteer for volunteers helping people adapt in a city. It was the beginning my volunteering activity.

– Can you please tell us about your experience of volunteering?

I volunteered at the “October readings” because the topics of the lectures were very interesting. In 2017 they were dedicated to anniversary of the October Revolution. You could learn a lot and meet with researchers. I attended lectures and then posted information about them in Vkontakte and Facebook. Then I went to the HSE Open Days several times, and then to the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum. This is also an important event: for instance, Dmitry Medvedev delivered a speech at the plenary session. And, of course, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

–What have you learned as a volunteer?

Volunteering often involves team-working. You cannot deal with it alone and have to interact with others. And this is how you develop team-working and leadership skills.

–Has your opionion on of volunteering activity changed over the years?

Generally, I have taken a short break now, because I cannot find interesting events for myself. I used to engage into everything I could go, but now I have experience and I select more attentively. I decide where I want to go, what can be interesting to me and what may be useful.

–Will you continue volunteering having a permanent job?

Yeah, probably. There are a lot of advantages. For example, informal communication with interesting people from different spheres. This allows you to be more broad-minded person. I think it's funny.

–Would you advise students to start volunteering?

Yes, there are many reasons in favor of it! Volunteering activity can be completely different and suitable for anyone, regardless of any specific preferences. The main thing is, of course, communication, the opportunity to learn something new and interesting.

– And the last question: what qualities should a good volunteer possess?

In my opinion, a volunteer should be responsive and responsible. This is the core of volunteering. A good volunteer must be able to work in a team. They rarely work alone; I personally have never seen such cases. A volunteer should always try to help and react fact. This activity often requires finding quick solutions in some emergency situations. But, in any case, practice makes perfect. The main thing is that you should not be afraid to try!

The interviewer – Ekaterina Shevyakova, second-year student  ("Free Editors" Project)

Translation by Anna Filchakova, second-year student