About Myself

I’m Svetlana Aleksandrova. I was born on the 29^th of March,1980 in Rechitsa but in 1985 we moved toGomel as my father got a job here. At the age of 6 I went to school number22 in Gomel. I was quite good at school. My favourite subjects were Russian, Geography and History, but I didn’t do very well in physics or chemistry. I left school in 1997. Since September 1998 I’ve been a student of Gomel State University named after F.Skorina. I’m doing a correspondence course; it means that I have to combine work and study (I work as a teacher at school). It’s not easy to have a full-time job and to study, but I’m really enjoying my course at the university and I like my job too.

The things I like doing most are watching TV and reading, I’m also fond of listening to music. I’m a sociable person so I have a lot of friends. I spend a lot of time with them, we watch video together or listen to music, sometimes we go to the theatre or they come to my place and we just chat. I’m not married and still live with my parents.

My father’s name isVladimir. He works as an engineer at a big plant. I think my father is quite handsome. He is tall and broad-shouldered. He’s a clever man but a little unpractical. Though he is always busy he helps my mother about the house.

My mother’s name is Irina. She’s a tall good-looking woman of 46 but she doesn’t look her age. As for her character, she is kind and gentle, warm-hearted and tactful. My mother is a housewife; she does all the housework and helps my elder brother bring up his sons. My mother’s hobbies are knitting and reading books. She’s also very good at cooking.

My elder brother, Alexei, is married and has his own family – a wife and two children, so he doesn’t live with us. But we often see each other.

I think I’m a happy person. I have a loving family and a lot of friends, an interesting job and a lot of hobbies.

Our University

I am a student of Gomel State University named after F.Scorina. It was opened in 1969 on the basis of the Pedagogical Institute. It is the second university inBelarus. It trains teachers of mathematics, chemistry, biology, foreign languages, geography, physical training. And it also trains lawyers, economists, psychologists, engineers, managers and research workers.

Our University has several departments: the Department of Mathematics, Biology, History, Foreign Languages, Geology and Geography, Physics, Economics, Law, Psychology and Pedagogics, Physical Training and others.

Four forms of training are offered at Gomel State University. They are daytime training, correspondence courses (or extra-mural department), preparatory courses and postgraduate courses. The students of extra-mural department combine work and study.

Applicants are to have completed secondary education. Most entrance examinations are held in the form of centralized testing (CT) in June. The compulsory subjects for all applicants are Belarusian or Russian. Special subjects are a foreign language, history ofBelarus, new world history, humankind and society, geography, physics, informatics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, art, music, technical drawing, etc. The applicants who score highest are admitted to free studies, others pay tuition fees.

The university has all the necessary facilities for studying including computers and laboratories. A rich library with reading halls is at the disposal of the students. Students can get all sorts of books there.

The course of study lasts five years for full-time students and five or six years for part-time students. The academic year is divided into two terms. At the end of each term students take exams on theory and tests on practical work.

The social scene is an important part of life at the University. There are several students’ societies such as drama, music dance ensemble and sports club at the University. The most popular sports are track-and-field athletics, skiing, volleyball and basketball.

Students’ Life

The demand for competent specialists grows in our time so all governments pay great attention to the development of higher education. Thousands of students study at institutions of higher education and their knowledge will determine the country’s future.

The Latin word “student” means “one devoted to learning”. Indeed, the chief task of a student is to learn. Students are very busy people, they work hard to become good specialists.

Higher education is provided by universities, academies, specialized and polytechnical institutes. Tuition combines lectures on theory with practical classes. The first and second years are devoted to general science. Specialization usually begins in the third or fourth year. There are foreign languages and physical training classes at all institutes and universities. At the end of each term students take examinations on theory and tests on practical work. After graduating all students receive diplomas.

At the classes students do not only master the program material. They also cultivate habits of researches.

Our students do not only study, they also take part in public life. Student councils and societies arrange social activities of students, rest and recreation facilities.

Students organize auctions and fairs, participate in amateur concerts. There are political, sporting, foreign languages and drama societies. Students take part in debates and forums, reflecting what the youth is thinking and feeling. Students often go on excursions. They are fond of visiting different places of interest. Almost all students go in for sports. Many institutions of higher education have stadiums, gyms, swimming pools and game areas. Some students work in summer to earn money and get experience.

So, young people try to make the best of their student years.

National System of Education

National system of education includes Preschool education, General secondary education / Special secondary education / Vocational education, Higher education, Postgraduate education.

Preschool establishments inBelarusare day nurseries, kindergartens, pre-primary schools, children’s institutions of family type, sanatorium type, with profound aesthetic and physical development, for children with specific features of physical and psychic development, etc.

The system of general secondary education involves: primary, basic and secondary school. Most children start going to school at 6. At primary school they learn to write, read, count; get fundamental knowledge of nature, society and man; learn principles of personal hygiene and healthy life style. Basic and secondary school provides general subjects, physical training and labour education. There is a 10-grade knowledge evaluation system. The languages of instruction are Russian and Belarusian.

There are about 2,800 general secondary schools, gymnasiums, lyceums inBelarus. Free general secondary, special secondary and vocational education is guaranteed by the state. After final examinations school leavers get certificates of basic or secondary education.

Vocational education establishments are involved in qualified labour training. They are more than 240 vocational schools, colleges, and vocational lyceums with more than 300 specialities.

Belarus’ system of higher education comprises 57 state and private universities, academies, institutes, and higher colleges. These institutions offer day, night and extra-mural programs. Universities and academies offer graduate and post-graduate programs and are engaged in fundamental research.

Belarusian higher educational institutions traditionally confer the degree of Certified Specialist. It usually requires five years of training, success in final state examinations, and defense of a degree work (diploma). There are also other degrees – Master, Candidate of Sciences and Doctor of Sciences.

Applicants are to have completed secondary education. Most entrance examinations are held in the form of centralized testing (CT). The compulsory subjects are Belarusian or Russian and special subjects are foreign languages, history of Belarus, geography, physics, mathematics and some others. The applicants who score highest are admitted to free studies and get monthly scholarship. Students who passed the exams but failed the competition pay tuition fees. The course of study lasts or five years. The academic year begins on the 1^st of September and has 2 semesters (terms). After the course of study students take a state profile exam and/or defend a diploma. Students who graduate with honours are awarded a so-called “red certificate”.

The System of Education in the United Kingdom

Compulsory education inGreat Britainbegins at 5 and ends at 16. Education is provided by state and private schools.

Great Britainhas schools for young children (nurseries, kindergartens, play groups); primary schools (infant and junior departments); middle schools; secondary schools (grammar, technical, secondary modern, special); independent (private) schools, public schools, preparatory schools.

At nursery schools children spend their time in some sort of play and educational activity. Primary schools take children from 5 to 11. Middle schools are a compromise between primary and secondary education. Secondary schools take children from 11. And education is compulsory up to 16.

Grammar schools provide academic education and prepare pupils for higher education. Secondary modern schools provide education with practical bias up to 16. The level of education is low. Boarding schools are fee-charging. Children are instructed on the advanced curricula and go home only for the holidays. Public schools are very expensive. They accept pupils at about 12 or 13. Their standards for entries are very high. They are Eton, Harrow, Rugby andWinchester.

The principal examinations at about 16 lead to the General Certificate of Secondary Education.

The post-school institutions of higher education are about 50 universities inEngland,Scotland,WalesandNorthern Ireland(Cambridge,Oxford,Edinburgh,London, Essex,Aberdeen, etc.) and about 30 polytechnics.

The university is like a federation of colleges. It arranges courses, lectures, exams; and awards the degrees. The universities ofOxfordandCambridgeeach have over 10000 full-time students. Admission is based on the old trial patterns.

University degree courses extend for 3 or 4 years, in medicine 5 or 6 years are required. They award Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctor’s degrees. Teaching combines lectures, practical classes (in scientific subjects) and small group teaching in seminars or tutorials.

At Oxford, a Tutor is a member of staff (professor) who supervises students’ work individually. The tutor can help with general problems (choice of courses, difficulty in keeping up with their fellow students) and practical problems (family matters, finding accommodation).

Most adequately qualified British students can obtain awards from public funds to attend full-time at a university. The amount of these awards depends on the income of the student and his parents.

Belarus

The official name of the country is the Republic of Belarus. It is a sovereign independent state with its own government, constitution, state emblem, flag and anthem. Belarus is a member-state of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) and the UN (United Nations).

Belarusis situated nearly in the centre of Europe. It borders on Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, Russia and the Ukraine. Belarus stretches for 560 kilometres from south to north and for 650 kilometres from east to west. Its total area is about 207.6 thousand square kilometres. It is much larger than many countries.

The population is about 10 mln people. 68% of the population live in towns and cities. The territory of Belarus is divided into 6 regions: Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk, and Mogilev. The capital is Minsk with its population of more than 1840 thousand people.

The highest point of Belarus is Mount Dzerzhinskaya (350 metreshigh). There are more than 3,000 rivers in Belarus. The Dnieper, Neman, Western Dvina, Pripyat,Berezina, Sozh and Viliya are the longest. Belarus is a lake-country. There are about 10,800 lakes here. The largest is Lake Naroch. The lakes are noted for their great depth, transparent water and beautiful scenery.

A third of Belarusis under forest. The largest forests are called pushchas. The Belovezhskaya Pushcha is famous for its aurochs. Fauna is rich and diverse there: one can see elks and deer, wild boars and wolves, bears and foxes, beavers and lynxes and myriads of birds. Forests, pinewoods, oak groves, birch groves are the charm, wealth and pride of the country.

The climate of Belarus is temperate and mild.

As for Belarusian industry, it produces trucks and tractors, refrigerators, TV sets, fertilizers, meat and dairy products. They make its chief exports. Timber processing, furniture making, match and papermaking, textile and clothing manufacture, food processing are the main industries for local consumption.Belarus’ agriculture grows flax, grain and potatoes. Cattle and pig breeding are also important.

Belarusis a country of well-developed science, education and culture. There is anAcademyofSciences, 57 higher educational establishments, a lot of theatres, museums and art galleries there.

By the way,Belarusis a country of unique history and rich cultural heritage. It is an interesting region from the tourist point of view.

Great Britain

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the U.K.) consists of England, Wales, Scotlandand Northern Ireland. It is situated on the British Isles, which lie off the north-west of the European continent. G.B. and Irelandare the largest islands and there are also about 5000 small islands. The total area of the U.K.is about 244,000 km²; it is the 75^th place among other countries of the world.

It is washed by theAtlantic Oceanin the north-west, north and south-west. In the westGreat Britainis washed by theIrish Sea. The eastern coast of G.B. is separated fromFranceby the English Channel, the narrowest part of which is called theStrait of Dover. It is only32 kmwide.

TheislandofG.B.is quite distinctly divided into two parts: ´mountainous (North and West) and lowland, sometimes hilly (South and East). The mountains are not very high; the highest peak is Ben-Nevis inScotland(1343). TheCheviot Hillsform a natural border between England Scotland. The Cambrian Mountains occupy the greater part ofWales.

The rivers in G.B. are short. The Severn is the longest river, while the Thames is the busiest and the most important river inEngland. It is wide and deep and is quite suitable for navigation.England,IrelandandScotlandhave a lot of beautiful lakes, the most famous ones are in theLake District. It is the most popular holiday district in the country.

The fauna and flora of G.B. is similar to that of the Northwest of Europe.

The climate of theBritish Islesis mild, not very cold in winter and not very hot in summer. The Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of theGulf Streaminfluence the weather. The rivers do not freeze in winter. All parts of theBritish Isleshave a lot of rain in all seasons. In winter thick fog covers many parts of G.B. The mild and damp climate is very good for agriculture, especially for vegetable farming.

The U.K.is not very rich in natural resources; it has some deposits of coal and iron ore, and vast deposits of oil and gas discovered in the North Sea. The U.K.is a highly developed capitalist country. Most of its industries produce iron and steel goods, textiles and chemicals, all of which play an important role in the national economy of the country. G.B is a densely populated country. In the number of population (about 58 million people) it holds one of the 1^st places among the European countries. There are 4 main nationalities: Englishmen, Scotsmen, Irishmen and Welshmen. The official language is English.

The large industrial cities of the country areLondon,Glasgow, Liverpool,Manchester,Sheffieldand others.

The Political System of Great Britain

TheU.K.is a constitutional monarchy or a parliamentary democracy. There is a monarch at the head of the State (at present – Queen Elizabeth II) whose powers are limited by the constitution. In practice, the Queen reigns but doesn’t rule. Everything she does is done on the advice of her ministers.

The supreme Legislation Authority in theU.K.belongs to the Queen and Parliament. The British Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Lords and the House of Commons, together with the Queen in her constitutional role. Today the center of parliamentary power is in the Commons.

The Government is formed by the party, which has majority support in the Commons. The head of the Government is the Prime Minister. He is appointed by the Queen. And he is usually the leader of the party having the majority in the House of Commons. He chooses the number of ministers, including 20 or so in the Cabinet.

The second largest party traditionally forms the official Opposition with its own leader and “shadow cabinet”.

At present there are 5 main political parties inGreat Britain: the Conservative Party, the Labour Party, the Liberal, the Social Democratic, the Communist Party. But actually only the Conservative and the Labour Parties take turns at the exercise of power. The two-party system means that if one is dissatisfied with the Government, one votes for the Opposition, and vice versa.

London

London, the capital ofEnglandand theUK, is one of the largest and most enjoyable cities in the world. It is situated on the riverThames.London’s population is more than eight million people.

Londonis more than 20 centuries old. Historical and geographical circumstances have turnedLondoninto one of the world’s most important commercial and cultural centres and seaports.

Londonsurvived the Plague which killed nearly 70,000 people and the Great Fire which followed. Little damage occurred during World War I, but World War II brought tremendous destruction to the city.

London,Britain’s colourful capital, is full of things to see and do, with world famous sights, excellent entertainment and nightlife. One of the best ways to acquaint yourself with the city when you first arrive is to take a sightseeing tour on a double-decker bus.

The City, the oldest part ofLondon, is the commercial and financial centre of the country.Westminsteris the political heart ofLondon. The West End is the richest and the most beautiful part ofLondon, the symbol of wealth and luxury, where the most expensive hotels, restaurants, shops and clubs are situated. It also consists of the fashionable houses of the rich, art galleries, famous museums, theatres, palaces and parks. TheEast Endis a poor district – the industrial part of the city. There are a lot of factories, plants, workshops and shipyards there.

Londonoffers its visitors a great variety of places of interest. It’s a dream city to everybody who is interested in the English history and culture.

World’s famous places of interest are the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey,St. Paul’s Cathedral,Trafalgar Square, theTowerofLondon, Hyde Park,Piccadilly Circus, Nelson’s Column and so on and so forth.

 

ABOUT MY FUTURE SPECIALITY

Physical Training and Sports

Physical training and sports like any social phenomenon have deep historical background. Traditional sports like archery, swimming, canoe-rowing, national wrestling and others have been popular for centuries.

There are several Institutes of Physical Culture, schools for соaches and specialized secondary schools in our country. The Department of Physical Training atGomelStateUniversitytrains high-skilled physical training and sport specialists. The students of the department take up various sports. They go in for track-and-fields, gymnastics, skating, skiing, academic rowing and so on. Our students train hard and show good results in sports. Many students of the Department of Physical Training are members of the National Team.

Today the department has research laboratories where physicians, biologists, psychologists carry out their scientific experiments. Dozens of students take part in the work of students’ research societies and hobby-groups. They are active in sports and they have a desire to deeply analyze man’s potential resources in his eternal competition with time, space, earth gravitation.

After graduating from the Department of Physical Training young specialists work as teachers of physical training, instructors, coaches and referees at various sports societies, clubs and schools. They help people develop strength, endurance and flexibility, to keep healthy, strong and active in life.

 

Organization of sports and recreation activities

 I am a student ofGomelStateUniversity, the Faculty of Physical Training and Sports. I study Organization of sports and recreation activities. I’m going to be a specialist not only in organizing sports and recreation activities but also in tourism. I find it very exciting and important.

 Sport is as old as the humanity itself. All over the world people are fond of sports and games. Sport not only helps people to become strong, develop physically and keep in good health but also makes them more organized and better disciplined in their daily activities. Among the sports popular in our country are football, basketball, swimming, volleyball, ice hockey, tennis, gymnastics, figure skating.

 And recreation is a form of entertainment derived from physical activities, without artificial rules. Recreation is the use of time in a non-profitable way, in many ways also therapeutic refreshment of one's body or mind. Recreation is active for the participant but in a refreshing manner, usually one which is much different from day to day worries and  stresses The examples of outdoor recreation include adventure racing, backpacking, bicycling, camping, canoeing, caving, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, kayaking, mountaineering, running, sailing, skiing, surfing and even photography.

 Tourism is the largest industry in the world. The tourism market is a dynamic sector of the Belarusian economy, too. TheRepublicofBelarusis visited, annually, by about 100,000 tourists. InBelarusdifferent types of active tourism are developing these days: green tourism and transit tourism, religious and business tourism, military-historical tourism, hunting and fishing, cultural and farm tourism.

 Many visitors are specifically attracted by recreational offerings. Recreation-related business is an important factor in the economy.

 That’s why specialists in this sphere are in great demand nowadays. A recreation specialist would be expected to meet the recreational needs of our society. Our university offers the course that leads to a degree in sports, recreation and tourism management. We’ll be able to work both as instructors in recreation centers and managers in tourism.

 Economics

 There are many interesting and useful professions and it is really not an easy task to choose the right one. I began to think about my future profession at school. I didn't make a blind choice and it was not a sudden flash either. I was looking for a career in business economics. So, now I am a student of extra-mural department atGomelStateUniversitynamed after F. Skorina. I am studying to become an economist.

 Economics is the science of making choices which is based upon the facts of our everyday life. Economists study our everyday life and the system which affects it. They try to describe the facts of the economy in which we live and to explain how the system works. The science of economics is concerned with all our material needs and wants.

 To become a good specialist in economics and business one must be good at economics, finance and credit, statistics, history of economic theory, mathematics, as well as economic management, trade business and, of course, marketing, which is a modern philosophy of business. At the University we study macroeconomics and microeconomics, marketing and price formation, international marketing, world economy, economic theory, international economic relations, insurance and other special and general subjects.

 It is very important for a specialist in business matters to be computer competent and to speak at least one foreign language. It should better be English as it is the most popular language of international business communication. You’ll be able to follow business developments in the world by listening to radio and TV news, by reading newspapers or magazines, or by getting in contact with your business partners abroad. The world of finance is very dynamic and changeable, so it is necessary for us to get up-to-date information.

 There’s a surprisingly wide range to choose from in the financial world. The University diploma creates opportunities for a wide range of carriers in public and private sector, manufacturing and service industries.

 Now I try to make the best of my abilities to achieve my life’s ambition. I also hope that I’ll never regret my choice and get a well-paid and interesting job afterwards.

 Information Technology Software

 Computer speciality appeals to me a lot. So I entered the University to study the profession. And only after that I realized how important and interesting it was.

 Actually, my future profession will be connected not just with computers, but with using information technology. Our department provides a broad progressive education in computing, particularly in the analysis, design and management of information systems. As we know, an information system is a collection of hardware, software, people, procedures and data. Computer based information systems have three levels — 1) transaction processing system (диалоговая система обработки запросов), 2) management information system (административная информационная система) and 3) decision support system (информационная модель, система поддержки принятия решений).

 We study higher mathematics, mathematical analysis, algebra and geometry, physics, programming essentials, descriptive geometry and engineering graphics, computer organization and functioning, differential equations, program design and programming languages, probability theory and mathematical statistics, computer architecture, software standardization and certification, functional and logical programming; database, knowledgebase and expert systems; computer peripherals, design automation systems, DBMS, systems software, object-oriented programming, computer networks, software design technology, simulation and statistical modelling, operating systems.

 The course focuses on the fundamental concepts of information technology, information system, software implementation (programming) and systems analysis. We’ll acquire skills needed for defining requirements, design, production, implementation, testing and maintenance of integrated hardware and software microcomputer based systems.

 After graduating we become programming engineers. We can work at computing centers, at the Board of Statistics, research laboratories and institutes, industrial enterprises and other organizations. We solve problems connected with the development and application of computing systems.

 Computerized systems

 I like computer speciality. So I entered the University to study the profession.

 My future profession will be connected not just with computers, but with using information technology. Our department provides progressive education in computing, particularly in the analysis, design and management of information systems. An information system consists of hardware, software, people, procedures and data. Computer based information systems have three levels – 1) transaction processing system, 2) management information system and 3) decision support system. The most common tool in processing vast amounts of information is a computer, so first of all we should be computer competent.

 That is why during the term of studies we are instructed in special and general subjects. We study probability theory, information theory, coding theory of algorithms, simulation modeling, programming and programming languages, computing mathematics, hardware of computerized management systems, software and so on.

 The course focuses on the fundamental concepts of information technology, information system, software implementation (programming) and system analysis. There is a unit dedicated to building, modifying and repairing PCs, including installation and maintenance of software, memory, disk drives etc.

 After graduating we become engineers on computerized system of information processing. We can work at the computing centers, at the Board Statistics, research laboratories and institutes, industrial enterprises, etc. We solve problems connected with the development and application of computing systems.

 Mathematics is my future speciality

 Mathematics is the basis for all exact sciences. Karl Gauss, the famous 18^th century mathematician once called mathematics the queen of sciences. Today mathematics is widely used in chemistry, biology, psychology, linguistics and many other fields. Astronomy, mechanics and physics are unthinkable without mathematics. At the same time mathematics follows the changes taking place in various fields of knowledge.

 Traditionally mathematics was used for statistical calculation of data. Now it is applied for building up mathematical models of different phenomena in many sciences. Mathematics of today is often occupied with “strange” things. One of the leading mathematicians of the world Andrei Kolmogorov applied it to analyzing the problems of writing verse. When the first electronic computers were made mathematics became especially important for scientific progress in general. These machines can process information, perform calculations and solve complicated problems at high speeds.

 Mathematics may be regarded not only as a body of knowledge. It is a special language, perfect and abstract. The grammar of this language is determined by the rules of logic. Its vocabulary consists of symbols such as numerals for numbers, letters for unknown numbers, and equations for relationship between numbers. These symbols serve to shortcut our thinking.

 Mathematics is divided into two sections – pure and applied mathematics. Pure mathematics includes arithmetic, algebra, analytic and differential geometry, calculus. Applied mathematics includes methods of calculation, equations of mathematical physics, programming.

 I am a second-year student of the Mathematics Department. Our department offers great opportunities for studies. We study general and special subjects. Special attention is given to analytic geometry, mathematical analysis, differential equations, the theory of groups, probability theory. The students are also taught to work with computers.

 In the third year specialization begins. Students are appointed to schools, plants and computer centres for probation. After the University many graduates become teachers of mathematics. They try to do their best to evoke their pupils’ interest in mathematics. Those who specialized in applied mathematics work at computer centres, research laboratories and institutes, industrial enterprises. They solve problems connected with the development and application of computing systems.

 Biology

 Choosing a career and getting a job are two of the most important things in a person’s life. There are several factors that influence the decision young people make: inclinations and interests, social environment, their parents’ profession, material aspects.

 I made my choice at school when my favourite subjects were biology and chemistry. Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines.

 Now I’m a student ofGomelStateUniversity, biological faculty. The Faculty of Biology is a center of learning and research, training specialists in various fields of biology. Our curriculum includes fundamental science courses and biological disciplines in various fields of biology. The basic biological disciplines include: zoology, botany, microbiology, evolution theory, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, human, animal and plant physiology, human anatomy, cytology. In the first and second year our students have their summer fieldwork courses at the biological stations, where they study the variety of the natural world and acquire their experience in research work.

A wide variety of specific fields in anthropology, zoology, botany, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, biophysics and microbiology are offered for students to choose their major area from in the third year and to work on through the fourth and the fifth year.

 After graduating from the university students can work as teachers, laboratory assistants, scientists.

 Forestry

 Choosing a career is not an easy task. After school you have to decide on your future profession. And this decision is one of the most important in a person’s life. I made up my mind to become a forestry engineer at school and I have never regretted since then.

 I’m a student ofGomelStateUniversity, biological faculty. And I am studying forestry. My future profession is both useful and responsible. Forests are complex ecosystems, comprised of thousands of organisms, both plants and animals, but also insects, fungi, algae, and bacteria. The way we manage our natural resources is based upon our understanding of how these organisms live and interact with each other. It is also based on our understanding of the non-living components of the forest environment, such as geology, soil, water, fire, and climatology.

 Foresters work for the timber industry, government agencies, local authorities, urban parks and private landowners. The duties of forest engineers include control of growing seedlings for woodland creation or regeneration projects, preventing and combating insect infestation, disease, forest and grassland fires. They are specialists in measuring and modeling the growth of forests.Forestengineers may be involved in wildlife conservation. Forestry also includes the development of better methods for the planting, protecting, thinning, controlled burning, extracting, and processing of timber.

 To cut a long story short a professional forest manager should have a vast knowledge of every form of life in a forest from mushrooms to wild animals. A good forest engineers should not only manage but be able to do all the necessary work by themselves.

 So as you may see my future career is far from being easy, but there is no doubt that it’s very important and interesting.

 Psychology

 I am a student ofGomelStateUniversitynamed after F.Skorina. I am studying to become a psychologist.

 What is psychology? Psychology is a fairly young science with roots in many disciplines from psychology to philosophy. A century ago psychology was defined as the science of mental life, later it was redefined as the science of behavior. We will define psychology as the science of mental processes and behavior. But to many people psychology is a mental health profession devoted to such practical issues as how to achieve marital happiness, how to overcome anxiety and depression, and how to raise children.

 Psychologists deal with a wide range of problems. Biological psychologists explore the links between biology and behavior, including hereditary influences on behavior; the effects of hormones, drugs on our moods and behavior; and functioning of various components of nervous system. Developmental psychologists study processes that result in physical, mental and social changes throughout the life cycle. General experimental psychologists conduct experiments on sensation and perception; learning, memory and thought; motivation and emotion. Personality and social psychologists study how individuals are influenced by inner factors or by other people. Organizational (industrial) psychologists deal with human behavior in the workplace. Clinical psychologists study and treat psychologically troubled people.

 More and more, psychology touches on different parts of our life. Psychologists teach in medical schools, law schools and theological seminaries; they work in hospitals, factories and corporate offices. The main thing is that they help people to cope with various situations of our everyday life.

 As for me, I made my choice long ago. I want to become a psychologist. My choice of this occupation did not come as a sudden flash. I understand that psychology helps people in solving different life problems and I want to be of some help.