Thank You for Choosing HSE!

Several HSE instructors recognized as ‘the best’ in their fields would like congratulate students with the start of academic year and hope that they don’t give in to procrastination, take advantage of all opportunities available at HSE, have a good sleep before exams at least once, and remember that teachers are humans too!

 

Oleg Voskoboynikov, Professor at the School of History

The first of September is a marvelous day, even though it marks the end of summer. I have always looked forward to it since primary school, and I’m looking forward to it now. Back then this was because I wanted to see my friends, and now it’s because I want to see you. We all change during the summer, and not only as children, but also when we are grown-up. For us teachers, summer is a blessed time for creativity, which is vital for having something to share in class. Only summer saves us from routine. Those of you who look at the vacations the same way are like us adults, and I know for sure that there are a lot of such people among you. I’ve seen you! That’s why I fell in love with the university – because it is here I can meet people with whom I could discuss what I’ve been speculating over the summer. And this is why I have been here, I believe, forever. So, I hope that you hold on to this summer energy for the whole year. Then, it won’t be difficult for us to find each other in the crowd. This means a lot!

 

Alexander Pavlov, Associate Professor at the School of Philosophy

Students whom I’ve taught would probably confirm that I’m rather wary of praise. It’s not that I’m afraid of praising someone, all the more so if there is a good reason for it. However, I believe that it’s not right to praise someone individually while on a team. And praising everyone together and all the time is even worse. Thus, I’m happy to have this opportunity to congratulate our students - those whom I have taught, whom I will teach, whom I haven’t taught, and whom I’ll never teach.

There is a popular ‘grumpy’ opinion (not only at HSE, but in general) that students are getting worse with every passing year. I can say that I not only believe this is wrong, but I can see the opposite happening for myself. Every year, I see young people who bring hope and, thanks to them, I can still enjoy teaching. I have something to say to all my former and future students, and to all HSE students. You are special! You are the salt of the earth! Keep it up, as you are the best! Thank you for choosing HSE!

 

Milana Hachaturova, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences

Dear students,

Congratulations on the new academic year! As a former HSE student myself, I can say quite honestly that studying at our university is becoming more interesting every year. HSE is growing and developing, and a lot of new opportunities are appearing. For example, when I was choosing a profession, I hesitated between law and psychology, and end up choosing psychology in the end. I think that if the major and minor system, which is available for today’s generation of students, existed then, it would have been much easier for me to make the choice.

I’m happy that the today’s students have more options for various internships, including international opportunities, and that they have opportunities to compete for internships and grants. It’s essential that students be actively involved in projects and research teams. Furthermore, the number of extracurricular activities, sports, creative, volunteering, etc., at HSE is just off scale (in a good way!).

That’s why, in the new academic year, I would like to remind you to take advantage of all of the opportunities available. I also wish you interesting classes, success and new heights to be conquered, as well as an active and intensive student life.

Also, I particularly want to congratulate our freshmen students and say:

Welcome to the HSE family! And always remember our university’s motto – ‘Non scholae, sed vitae discimus’ (‘We do not learn for school, but for life’)!

 

Danil Fedorovykh, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Economic Sciences

When the academic year kicks off, everyone is full of enthusiasm, both instructors and students alike. We get a chance to meet new people and learn from them or teach them. This is the drive that characterizes the first several weeks here. It’s important not to lose this, otherwise studies can become quite routine. I wish everyone ongoing discoveries, interesting connections, useful knowledge and ambitious projects during the academic year. Enjoy your studies, be honest, and respect your colleagues and teachers. See you in class!