Student Spotlight: Anna Naumchik, Belarus

Hi Anna! You’re studying business informatics at ITMO. What first sparked your interest in this field, and what keeps you motivated today?

I’ve always loved the exact sciences, but I often felt they lacked a creative spark. That’s why business informatics became the perfect fit. It lets me combine my analytical mindset with my artistic side. I get to solve structured problems while designing elegant solutions, whether it’s optimizing processes or visualizing data in ways that tell a story. On one hand, I enjoy the precision of coding or system analysis; it’s like solving a puzzle. On the other hand, I love that this field allows me to think outside the box.

ITMO has been an amazing place to explore this duality. The projects here push me to merge technical skills with imaginative thinking, and collaborating with diverse teams constantly opens new perspectives.

You led the Belarusian delegation at ITMO’s Culture Fest. What was that experience like for you?

One word – amazing! All of the delegations were so dedicated, polite, and authentic. I was delighted to share Belarusian customs and traditions with ITMO’s community. We hosted a beautiful masterclass on making dolls from wool and linen. In Belarusian folklore, these dolls are believed to ward off misfortune and bring prosperity to the home. Watching everyone craft their own guardians with such care was truly heartwarming. I hope these handmade protectors bring their owners happiness, health, and good fortune.

Organizing cultural activities takes a different skill set than tech and analytics. What do you enjoy most about being involved in student events like these?

Communication is the greatest gift I take away from such events. When you share experiences, you leave a piece of yourself with others and carry fragments of their stories with you. Through conversations with other students, I discover new perspectives and, in a way, travel through their worlds.

From your perspective, how do these kinds of extracurricular events contribute to student life and personal growth?

From an organizer’s perspective, it’s an exciting challenge that teaches you to communicate effectively while genuinely valuing others’ opinions. Culture Fest is essentially a masterclass in soft skills like adaptability, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. From a student’s perspective, it’s also a bright spark in the academic year. It turns studying into edutainment, the best kind of learning experience.

Looking back at your time at ITMO so far, what’s a non-academic moment that stands out the most?

My most memorable moment was last year’s ITMO Family Day. I missed it in my first year for family reasons, so I had been looking forward to it for a long time. Despite the pouring rain, it turned out to be one of my most incredible experiences. My friends and I cheered for graduates, joined fragrant sachet-making workshops, and captured countless joyful moments on camera. What struck me most was seeing thousands of students united by shared pride in our university. That memory still warms me.

St. Petersburg is full of inspiration. Do you have a favorite place in the city where you go to unwind or recharge?

It’s hard to choose just one. I love exploring the suburbs, so my ideal escape is grabbing a coffee and heading to a park or an eco-trail. My favorites are the eco-trail in Komarovo and the park in Pavlovsk. Komarovo feels like something out of a fairy tale, with its fir trees, wooden huts, and sparkling ponds. At the end of the trail, you reach a breathtaking coastline. Pavlovsk Park, though man-made, gives you a humbling sense of smallness in nature’s vastness. I also bring my film camera on these trips. There’s a special charm in those slightly old-fashioned photos.

How do you balance academic responsibilities with student life, especially with leadership roles like the Culture Fest? Any tips?

Planning is my superpower. I carry a small notebook with my entire schedule. It keeps me focused, organized, and calm because I don’t have to hold everything in my head. It’s a safe place for my worries. I also rely on my friends and family. Their support, encouragement, and occasional healthy skepticism help me make better decisions and avoid missteps.

What’s been the biggest surprise about studying in such an international environment, and what have you learned from your peers?

Coming from Belarus, I thought Russian culture would feel very familiar. But I quickly discovered how many words I assumed were Russian are actually uniquely Belarusian. Some everyday terms simply don’t exist in Russian, and only Belarusians truly understand them. For example, the Belarusian word кнігарня means "bookstore," expressed in one word, while in Russian, it requires a phrase. Same for насоўка, which stands for a handkerchief. And шуфлядка means a small drawer, a term with no direct equivalent in Russian. Through my international peers, I’ve learned that language carries hidden cultural DNA. When I can’t translate certain Belarusian concepts directly, it reminds me that every culture sees the world in its own way.

If you could bring one Belarusian tradition or dish to the ITMO cafeteria, what would it be and why?

I’ll have to go with the most obvious choice: draniki ! These golden, crispy potato pancakes are the ultimate comfort food. It is made with simple ingredients, but the magic lies in the perfect balance of crunchy edges and a tender center. And, of course, they must be served with sour cream.

Has your time at ITMO changed the way you see your future?

Absolutely. ITMO hasn’t just shaped my career path; it’s changed how I see the world. I’ve developed what I call a “cosmopolitan consciousness,” the understanding that true innovation happens where science meets communication. My vision of the future now includes not just professional success, but also contributing to a more connected, understanding world.

When you’re not busy with studies or events, how do you like to spend your free time?

I’m an avid reader, whether it’s classics, science fiction, or horror. If you love the Strugatsky brothers, Stephen King, or Jane Austen, we’ll get along just fine. I’m also part of my dorm’s running club, helping with organization sometimes. We run several kilometers regardless of the weather. It builds resilience and discipline like nothing else. And on rainy days, I crochet or knit. I’m a beginner, but I’m inspired by my mother, who has been crafting beautiful clothes and accessories for years. Wearing something handmade by her has always felt special.

If you had to sum up your ITMO experience so far in a single phrase, what would it be?

Freedom of thought. At ITMO, the study process is so customizable and diverse. We’re given so many opportunities. I’m not sure we even realize how many. Compared to friends at other universities, I feel lucky to have this freedom to choose and redefine my path.

What advice would you give to other students who are considering studying at ITMO?

Carpe diem – seize the day! Don’t let fear hold you back or make you miss opportunities. Take action, experiment boldly, savor every experience, and live fully in the present. The best memories come from the chances you take, not the ones you let pass by.