The autumn’s major creative event at the Belarusian National Technical University is just around the corner: the "BNTU Student of the Year 2026" final takes place on October 15. The time between the initial auditions and the final flies by, and the contenders' schedules are packed down to the minute. The students have already completed team-building and ice-breaking workshops, honed their public speaking skills, and discussed stress-management techniques with psychologists.
In addition, the finalists have not only prepared mentally and physically through fitness sessions but have also performed numerous good deeds during a charity event for children. There was time for leisure, too: movie nights, video games, and even a sweet tour of an ice cream factory helped the contestants bond into a genuine team. It is amidst this vibrant atmosphere that Sofya Zakharenko, a student at the Faculty of Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurship (FMMP), is preparing for the competition.
We have all likely noticed at some point how a single tiny detail can determine the outcome of an important meeting, or how even the most perfect words can pale in comparison to a simple smile. This year, the contest’s theme is "Measuring Success Down to the Last Decimal." During the selection stage, the finalists sought their own unique formulas for victory. For Sofya, that secret ingredient was absolute honesty and a complete refusal to put on a mask in front of the judges.
"For me, that 'hundredth' element was sincerity. At the audition, it’s very easy to give in to nerves and try to play the role of the 'ideal student,' but instead, I simply was myself. I stepped out before the judges exactly as I am in everyday life. It turned out that openness, self-confidence, and simple friendliness work far better than any formulaic approach," she explained.
An error in blueprints can often bring an entire factory to a standstill, so specialists are accustomed to relying on strict rules and precision instruments. However, when it comes to human potential, mathematics proves powerless: you cannot measure courage or calculate a percentage of self-confidence with a standard ruler. That is precisely why Sofya evaluates her own victories using an approach where the primary benchmark is not the records set by others, but her own continuous personal transformation:
"I always try to compare myself not with others, but with who I was in the past. If I realize I’ve learned something new or overcome a long-standing fear, it means I’m confidently moving forward. Progress is measured not just by the final result, but by the person I become along the way. Each year brings a new source of pride—from winning the school KVN league to being named 'Best Mentor.' Learning Chinese was a standout example. After just a year of study, I went to a cultural camp in China and was able to communicate easily with the locals. It was proof that, with the right amount of effort, you can achieve impressive results even in a short time."
"In life, do you tend to act based on logic or intuition?" – It’s impossible to choose just one thing; my studies taught me to carefully analyze any situation, look for causes, and base my actions on facts. At the same time, creativity revealed the true value of intuition. For instance, when preparing a performance, you might spend a long time structuring it and selecting music and details, yet at some point, a clear realization of the right decision hits you. In those moments, I fully trust my inner feeling. Ultimately, logic helps me build a solid path, while intuition points me in the right direction.
If one were to imagine the ideal student as a complex, flawless mechanism, Sofya believes there would certainly be room in its design for an unconventional approach. Furthermore, the standard "configuration" of such a person should include curiosity, a sense of responsibility, and a creative element. After all, she is convinced that the most important thing is the ability to ask the right questions and find one's own solutions.
– Creativity entered my life sixteen years ago, when I was just a little girl and was enrolled in dance, art, and music classes. Over the years, I came to realize clearly that art demands great precision. In dance, you have to feel every millimeter of your body; in music, you must catch every note and rhythm. Creating paintings is even more impossible without close attention to detail. So, the engineer in me brings a sense of responsibility and a love for order, while my artistic side has endowed me with emotional depth and a rich imagination. I don't think there is any limit to perfection. I draw, dance, and study languages, so I always find room for growth in each of these areas and am constantly learning new things, – the finalist reflects.
– Creative work often requires the ability to adapt instantly to a situation, whereas engineering calls for a clear plan. Which approach resonates more with you?
– Planning is much closer to my nature, as I feel more confident when I clearly understand the sequence of actions. However, the deeper I immerse myself in the arts, the more I realize the immense value of improvisation. On stage, it’s impossible to anticipate every single nuance, and a completely unpredictable situation can arise at any moment. In those split seconds, you have to orient yourself instantly—and do so without betraying a single unnecessary emotion on your face.
It is precisely this approach to planning that is helping her prepare her final creative performance. Although the details remain under wraps, she guarantees that the core concept will strike a chord with every audience member who has ever stood before a crowd.
– When choosing the theme for my act, I drew entirely on personal experience. I wanted to use art to reveal emotions that often remain buried deep inside—feelings that aren't always easy to express in simple words. All I can say is that this performance embodies inner transformation, courage, and the ability to break through one's own boundaries.
Before a difficult exam or a high-stakes speech, one’s pulse inevitably quickens. The same applies here: with the competition final fast approaching, the tension is mounting. Yet, every performer has their own way of keeping emotions in check; for Sofya, the key ritual is a brief pause right before stepping into the spotlight.
– I usually try to stop for a few seconds, take a deep breath, and remind myself of one important thing. I simply tell myself: "I’ve done everything within my power. Now, all that’s left is to go out there, enjoy the moment, and give it my absolute best," she confided. Confidence backed by hard work, the ability to combine precise calculation with genuine emotion, and a charming smile—this is an excellent arsenal for conquering any peak. We wish Sofia a confident performance, and may every last fraction of her talent be duly recognized!
