Graduate psychologists in Kharkiv: plans for the future in the conditions of war (video)

The war in Ukraine brought many problems, challenges and trials in all spheres of life. However, contrary to expectations and rumors, quite a number of graduates of Kharkiv higher education institutions not only plan to stay in Ukraine, but also intend to continue their education and career.

This trend is noteworthy because it reveals unique aspects of young professionals’ professional and personal motivations, as well as important social and economic factors influencing their decisions.

Students who impress: What’s next after graduation?

Anna Bezhenska, a journalist of IA “FACT”, decided to address the graduates of the psychology and pedagogy faculty of the Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy with the following questions:

“What do you plan to do next after graduation? Are you going to stay or leave?”.

The answers of future specialists were so impressive, unexpected and touching that they will surely touch the hearts of many readers, because each of us at some point wondered what to do next, how to build our future life. Communication with graduates is especially relevant right now, in modern conditions of war, because many of them live in Kharkiv near the front and are under fire almost every day.

Ruslana:

“I want to be a teacher and take care of our children. We studied psychology for a long time, and the children of the war really need professional support. Despite certain difficulties, I do not see my future outside of Ukraine. Children are my motivation to stay and work right here, it is with them. I am not afraid anymore, I am used to shelling, so I believe that we will be able to build a better future.”

Arthur:

“I always dreamed of becoming a psychologist and helping people. After graduation, I plan to stay in Ukraine and start working in a hospital or emergency department. I am not afraid of the Military Commissariat. I will even go there… For some reason, now more than ever, I want to be here and do everything possible to help to our people, to provide them with much-needed psychological help.”

Novel:

“These are really difficult times, so right now, more than ever, we need young specialists who are ready to work in the direction of our studies. I plan to stay and contribute to restoring people’s psychological stability. I will go to a master’s degree and continue to work as a psychologist in parallel, helping people. At one time, at the beginning of the war, the leadership of the academy helped me and my younger sister a lot, they saved us… Therefore, I want to thank them with the same kindness and believe that we are capable of making great changes.”

As evidenced by the survey of graduates

There were a lot of answers from former students, but they testified that despite the difficulties of the war, young people are full of determination and optimism. These young people are true patriots of our state and hometown, they see their future right here and are ready to work and benefit people, especially children.

It should be noted that among the 100 interviewed graduates, only 15 are abroad, but they firmly decided to continue their education in the field of psychology and help Ukrainian refugees. It is noteworthy that 12 graduates are already working in rehabilitation centers, providing them with psychological assistance. Only three of them are still not sure about returning to Ukraine. It is important to emphasize that among those interviewed there was not a single person who categorically refused to return.

Psychology is a profession that requires deep empathy, understanding and willingness to help people in the most difficult moments of their lives. Psychological support in wartime is extremely important, because many people experience exhaustion, devastation, fatigue, anxiety or panic. After a traumatic event, a large proportion of them experience post-traumatic stress disorder. This happened after they lost relatives or friends in the war, many of them saw people killed, someone was shot at, someone was and is now under fire, worried about their relatives who are in danger. There are also those who feel abandoned, lonely and betrayed, were in captivity.

Not every Ukrainian has experienced the inevitable impact of the war on their psychological health, so future specialists see their mission as helping compatriots cope with the consequences of the war. Many of them themselves are going through her traumatic experience or have relatives and friends who have suffered. This makes their motivation even stronger. They strive to be useful to people who find themselves in similar circumstances, using their professional knowledge and personal experience for effective support.

We wish them success!