"Historical Aspects of the Development of Pedagogical Education"
Today, a final assessment was held for postgraduate students in the course "Historical Aspects of the Development of Pedagogical Education."
Today, a final assessment was held for postgraduate students in the course "Historical Aspects of the Development of Pedagogical Education." I derived immense professional pleasure from the reflections, critical thinking, and modern outlook on education demonstrated by the candidates R. Sagan, K. Popova, and I. Drozhenko. Meanwhile, Y. Revenko took a highly creative approach to her topic and wrote a Letter from Hryhoriy Skovoroda to Modern Students. Please take a moment to read it below:
A Letter to the Modern Students of Kherson State University
Dear students of Kherson State University!
I write to you across the centuries, for true values never grow old. States, borders, technologies, and methods of learning may change, but the core question of human life remains unalterable: who are you, and what purpose brought you into this world?
You have been destined to study in a challenging time. You are pursuing your education amidst war, fear, uncertainty, and constant challenges. Your university was forced to leave its native Kherson, yet it did not lose its spirit, its community, or its mission. And in this, I see a great strength. For a true university is not defined by its walls, but by the people who yearn for knowledge and remain faithful to themselves and their values.
I often said: "Know thyself." That is why my first piece of advice to you is this: do not study merely for the sake of a diploma. Study to understand your abilities, to find your calling, and to discover your place in the world. The world needs not just specialists, but people who love their craft and feel a sense of responsibility for what they do.
This is especially vital for you, the students of a university that is an integral part of the Kherson region. Today, your homeland is enduring severe trials. Yet, its future belongs to you. Among you are future teachers, psychologists, journalists, programmers, artists, scientists, and perhaps leaders. Each of you can make a unique contribution to the rebuilding of Kherson and Ukraine.
I believed in "srodna pratsia" — labor aligned with one's calling. Do not choose a profession simply because it is popular or prestigious. Choose what speaks to your heart. For only a person who has found their true calling is capable of working with joy and bringing benefits to society, rather than just to themselves.
The modern world offers you boundless 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, or in ChatGPT, but no technology can teach you how to be honest, responsible, and humane. Therefore, develop not only your mind, but above all — your heart.
I know that many of you are studying far from home, and some have never even seen the physical campus of Kherson State University. Nevertheless, do not forget your roots. Love for one's native land begins with its memory, with the desire to preserve its culture, its people, and its traditions.
Take care of one another. Help one another. A person's true strength is manifested not in overpowering another, but in supporting those nearby. This is precisely how a community is formed—one capable of enduring even the most difficult times, just as the students and faculty of Kherson State University are doing now.
And one more piece of advice. Do not allow circumstances to define your future. The world once tried to trap me with its temptations, but I said: "The world chased me, but it caught me not." Let neither hardships, fear, your neighbor, nor despair break you. Maintain your inner freedom, your personal dignity, and your loyalty to your convictions.
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 bring back to your native land not only peace, but also new opportunities for the development of science, education, and culture.
Seek your srodna pratsia. Know yourselves. Love Ukraine. Love Kherson. And remember: true happiness begins when a person lives in harmony with themselves, with their calling, and brings value to others.
With respect and gratitude to the future generation,
With faith in victory, goodness, and a brighter future,
Hryhoriy Skovoroda
LIUBOV YEVHENIVNA PETUKHOVA