Mr. BNTU 2026 finalist and first-year student of the Faculty of Automobile and Tractor Engineering, Andrey Svirepik, is a man who feels equally confident in his studies and on stage. Before the competition finals, the young man spoke about his love for dance, engineering logic, his childhood dream, and his ability to turn failures into springboards.
Andrey named self-confidence, kindness, and impulsiveness as his main qualities.
"I consider myself self-confident because I know how to act and don't wait for the perfect moment. I'm kind because it's important for me to be truly human, even when emotions run high." I'm also impulsive because I choose with my heart: honestly, truly, and that's what gives me energy.
The young man admitted that true relaxation for him begins when he can wake up at 10 a.m. and not rush anywhere.
"It's a summer morning, about ten o'clock, the sun is shining outside, the air is still soft, and it's as if the morning itself energizes me: the birds are singing, there's no need to rush anywhere. I always take a hot shower to truly wake up. Then I have a delicious breakfast, the kind that makes you feel like the day is going to be good. And most importantly, I don't have to rush anywhere, because a perfect morning is when you simply live in your own rhythm."
"What thing or activity can captivate you so much that you stop noticing time?"
"A walk with friends. When we start talking, laughing, discussing ideas, time disappears. I become so immersed in the atmosphere that time ceases to be important, because there's no need to "set a goal"; interest is born as you go."
The finalist also shared his tips for dealing with sadness.
"On a bad day, chips and cola help me cope with negative emotions. It's a very simple joy, it works like a little reset: sometimes you don't have to solve all your problems at once; just give yourself a short, delicious break and feel like the day isn't completely ruined."
The most valuable advice for the young man was one he received as a child and continues to carry throughout his life: "Never give up and keep moving forward." It helps the finalist persevere even when he's exhausted, fear sets in, or the thought that he shouldn't take on something creeps in.
Another of the most important truths he realized is this:
"The most important truth for me is to never trust people completely, because even the closest ones can hurt you. I'm not talking about being closed off, but about reasonable caution: you can trust, but at the same time, maintain an inner boundary and think with your head."
Speaking of the finalist's hobbies, it's impossible not to mention his dance. Andrey began practicing in childhood and continues to do so as an adult. At first, it was pure pleasure, movement, and emotion, but then he realized it wasn't just a hobby, but a way to express himself, channel his inner energy into a beautiful form, and find inspiration in the process.
In his creative field, Andrey singled out winning the Bison Dance Championship.
"I'm proud of a difficult decision, but it made me stronger: winning the Bison Dance Championship. There, I didn't just perform; I proved to myself that I could maintain my level, go all the way, and deliver results. It wasn't just preparation that was important, but also confidence on stage."
Nevertheless, Andrey considers his biggest departure from his comfort zone to be transferring to a different school as a child, when he had to part with all his friends and favorite teachers. He said it was very difficult at first, but it was this experience that made him more open and less shy, taught him to adapt quickly and not hide.
Sometimes we learn the most important lessons from failure. Have you ever had a situation that became a real breakthrough for you?
For me, that turning point was losing the dance day at the BNTU Spring Festival. I was upset at the time, but that failure became a real breakthrough: I wanted to participate in the Mister BNTU competition and demonstrate my full potential so that there would be no more questions or doubts about whether I made it.
Andrey's main goal, on the other hand, isn't related to titles or competition victories.
My biggest goal right now is to buy an apartment and then get a pet sea otter. It's a dream that keeps me going. For me, an apartment is my support and foundation, and a sea otter is a symbol of the happiness that should be in the home.
In preparation for the competition finals, the finalist created an entire system to optimize his time and get everything done.
— When preparing for the competition, I took a step-by-step approach, making my preparation a system rather than a chaotic desire to get things done. I thought through what and when I would practice in advance: working separately on how to move and hold myself the stage, focusing on the chords and emotional delivery separately, and on moments that required more attention separately. This regimen allows you to avoid burnout and maintain progress, even when your schedule is tight.
— What's more difficult: memorizing five exam questions overnight or putting together a routine while coordinating lighting, sound, and costumes?
— In my case, memorizing five exam questions overnight is more difficult. I'm a creative person, and I'm not one to go into cramming mode. I find it easier to enlist help and rely on things that can be quickly structured. A creative routine is a process that can be structured, even if time is tight.
The highlight of a finalist's routine isn't stunts and special effects, but the ability to tell a story through movement.
— I don't just make "pretty moves," I build meaning: my routine has logic, dynamics, and an emotional climax. If the audience recognizes that, then I've hit the right spot.
Andrey's primary criterion for success won't be applause or even a crown. He noted that he will become a true "Mr. BNTU" if the audience is filled with genuine, empathetic emotions during his performance.
"I think the idea behind my number will be memorable to many viewers. Because no one has ever done anything like this before, and at the same time, everyone will be able to see themselves in it. I designed the number so that it wouldn't just be a performance, but a reflection of people's inner experiences. And yes, I think it will surprise the audience because they will recognize something personal, relatable, and relatable in the story."
That's him—a future engineer with the soul of a dancer, self-confident yet cherishing his inner boundaries, dreaming not of grandiose projects, but of a warm home and a sea otter. Andrey Svirepik doesn't try to be perfect—he tries, makes mistakes, draws conclusions, and moves forward again. He'll soon be taking the stage for the finals of the "Mr. BNTU 2026" competition, and there's no doubt his performance will leave no one indifferent.
We thank Andrey for the interview and wish him success in showcasing his talents!
