Yuliia Kraysvitnia
Candidate of Historical Sciences
Specialist of higher category
Lecturer of the Poltava Vocational College
of Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University,
Poltava, Ukraine
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9762-1617
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/2522-4611.2024.49.11
A CAPITAL MAN
In March 2024, a renowned Ukrainian historian, expert in Ukrainian studies, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Archival Studies and Special Branches of Historical Sciences, Yurii Mykhailovych Soroka, would have celebrated his 70th birthday. Every year, his birthday was marked in red in my calendar, and even without reminders, I remembered this date perfectly.
In 2009, I entered the postgraduate program at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Then the Dean of the Historical Faculty, V. F. Kolesnyk suggested me to choose the Department of Archival Studies and Special Branches of Historical Sciences. At that time, my scientific interests were primarily focused on the issues of Ukraine's agrarian history at the beginning of the 20th century, so I hesitated about the choice of specialty. Victor Fedorovych convinced me, and later on, when I got to know the team of the department, which included professors Y. S. Kalakura, Y. M. Soroka, M. G. Shcherbak, M. G. Paliyenko, associate professors A. M. Zubko, S. F. Pavlenko, an assistant N. A. Kolomiets, and a lab assistant A. P. Danylevych, I became confident that I had made the right choice. I warmly remember each of these wonderful people who opened up the world of historiography and special historical disciplines to me as a novice researcher.
I first saw my future research superviser during the entrance exam. It was a hot August day, and the applicants were noticeably nervous. Fortunately, the examiners (M. G. Shcherbak and Y. M. Soroka) created a friendly atmosphere that allowed us to calm down and pass the exam without any issues. I vividly remember my impressions of Yuriі Mykhailovych: tall, dignified, with noble greying at his temples, with a loud deep voice and a sincere smile. Dressed accordingly, he could easily pass for a true Cossack colonel or even a hetman. Later, when I found out who exactly my research superviser was, I was thrilled because it's always pleasant to deal with a genuinely kind and amiable person, moreover we had to interact the following three years of my postgraduate studies.
My collaboration with Yuriі Mykhailovych turned out to be as comfortable and fruitful as I had hoped. I always looked forward to going to the university, eagerly attended department meetings because there was always something to learn from each of its members. As a graduate of the historical faculty of a Pedagogical University, I sometimes lacked the traditional university education, but Yuriі Mykhailovych and other department members always tactfully and gently assisted me with their advice.
Working on my dissertation, my research supervisor provided valuable guidance. I remember bringing the first chapter of my research for review – Yuriі Mykhailovych returned it all covered with red notes. Dishearted I reviewed the comments. Having noticed my upset, my mentor reassured me, saying «Yulia, you use too many unnecessary words; everything can be expressed simpler. Scientific text shouldn't be burdened with grammatical constructions; it should be logical, structured and understandable to the reader. Don't try to cover everything at once; dig deep instead of wide». It's been over ten years since then, but I recall this piece of advice when working on my current researches and pass it on to my own students.
It was always delightful to observe Yuriі Mykhailovych – when he entered the University or simply walked down the corridor, there was an impression that it was getting brighter around. I believe his colleagues and students adored him. Always in good spirits, with an excellent sense of humor, sincere and smiling, ready to help and patiently explain, he couldn't evoke negative emotions. During my graduate pedagogical practice, my work with his students confirmed these feelings- students spoke very highly and positively about professor Y. M. Soroka.
His mentorship was wise and valuable. With his assistance, I completed the plan for my research work in time. Yuriі Mykhailovych's support enabled me to pass the pre-defence of my research work successfully. It was he who encouraged me to present my research to the renowned authority in historical science, professor Y. S. Kalakura. Thanks to his valuable professional remarks, my dissertation was well received by experts, academic oponents and members of the Specialized Academic Council. I obtained the scientific degree of Candidate of Histirical Sciences, I continued my scientific and pedagogical activities, which now span over two decades. Every time I enter the classroom with a new course and meet students, I proudly mention that I am a graduate of the Department of Archival Studies and Special Branches of Historical Science at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, and among my mentors there were the best ones.
Yuriі Mykhailovych was a very sensitive and empathic person who knew how to find the right words to support and inspire his students. I particularly want to mention the excellent sense of humor of Professor, he could joke like a true Ukrainian, he loved to tell interesting stories and anecdotes and his loud voice could be heard from afar. People always smiled meeting him.
Yuriі Mykhailovych dearly loved Ukraine, especially his native land – Volyn. I remember how enthusiastically he spoke about the beauty and the rich history of his homeland. He deeply loved nature, especially «quiet hunting», believing that gathering mushrooms was the best soul-refreshing activity and a workout for the body. Now when I go to the forest I always recall his stories about mushrooms.
Unfortunately, in March I won't be able to dial the familiar number again and hear his traditional greeting: «Good health to you, Yuliia Volodymyrivna!». However, this wonderful person will remain forever in my memory and in my heart.
Key words: Yurii Mykhailovych Soroka, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Faculty of History, teacher.
Received by the editorial board: 8.12.2023.