Marina Golovko, a first-year student at the Faculty of Automotive Engineering, told about overcoming stage fright, student activism and her first participation in a beauty contest. The girl is just starting her university career, but she is already ready to declare herself and try new things on the big stage.
The theme of the current contest is "Take a step towards yourself." For Marina, this expression has become not just a beautiful slogan, but a real manifesto: not to be afraid and reveal your facets, even if everything inside is shrinking with fear.
– I understand these words as an opportunity to reveal myself from a new perspective, to overcome my fears, worries, and worries somewhere. Try something new and open up to the world from different angles," the participant shared.
The girl took her first serious step towards herself even before university, in 2023, when she decided to perform solo. This moment radically changed her view of her own capabilities.
– It was at a dance competition. I designed and choreographed the dance myself, and went on stage all by myself. It was very scary, but I've wanted this for a long time. As a result, she took the third place. I think this is a worthy result, because the main thing was not the prize, but overcoming one's fears. If I hadn't decided then, maybe I wouldn't be sitting here right now and participating in Miss BNTU.
Although Marina has been studying at the university for less than a year, student life has already helped her to open up a new side. The Faculty of Automotive Engineering became for her the place where she learned to combine serious studies with an active social life.
– I became even more active: I participate in trips from the university, joined the student council of the dormitory. Earlier, in 11th grade, I thought it would be very difficult to combine my studies with such an activity. Now I understand that even with a heavy workload at the university, I can do everything. The main thing is to set priorities correctly and not be afraid to try.
Student life helps Marina to deal with anxiety before public speaking.
– Stage fright has not been completely overcome yet, but I already feel much more confident. The opportunity to participate in concerts and try new activities is inspiring.
Participation in the "Miss BNTU" is a conscious step for Marina. During rehearsals and communication with other participants, she gets a lot of pleasure. She treats the contestants as allies to whom she can turn for advice.
– In my opinion, girls who participate in such contests should not be selfish and do mean things to other finalists. Going over heads for the sake of victory is an option that I never consider at all. It is important to be honest and open.
– In your opinion, how do you decide to participate in the "Miss BNTU"?
– Do not listen to those who try to convince you that you are not good enough or not beautiful enough. The only voice that matters is the voice of your heart. You need to try and make mistakes, because this experience is very developing. Looking back, I realize that everything I really wanted came true in the end. But this wouldn't have happened if one day I hadn't taken the risk and allowed myself to just try.
Marina sees the final of the competition as a kind of risk, but it's worth all the effort. The experience that a girl gets during a project is priceless for her, and the memories from rehearsals will remain for a long time.
– For me, the final is just the beginning of a long journey, a new stage of development. I feel like I'm becoming more confident, stronger, and bolder. The very preparation for the performance showed me what I am capable of.
We thank Marina for a sincere conversation. We wish you a bright performance in the final of the competition.
