Participant of the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the Nomination "Youth Worker of the Year" Daria Shchur
I am Daria Shchur, 26 years old. I was born in a city that will forever live in my heart – Maryinka. It's a small mining town where I came into the world in a family of miners on our region's professional holiday – Miner's Day. Perhaps that's why, from early childhood, I got used to hard work, self-confidence, and the belief that the world can be changed with one's own hands.
From the age of 3, I seriously began engaging in ballroom dancing – it was my first passion. As a result of my perseverance, I became the Champion of Ukraine in the "Lady" category. During my studies at school, besides dancing, I played volleyball, swam, and graduated from music school. I was always active, participating in all competitions and contests.
The year 2014 changed our lives forever – the ATO period began, which gradually escalated into a full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. However, even in such circumstances, I managed to fulfill another dream – to graduate from school with a silver medal, successfully pass my exams, and enroll in V. H. Korolenko Poltava National Pedagogical University, choosing the specialty of "mathematics teacher."
Why a teacher, specifically? Because from a young age, I felt that I wanted to work with children. I enjoyed explaining, helping, and being there when a child takes their first step toward understanding something complex. Perhaps it's an inner calling – to be there during important moments in a young person's life.
In 2019, I started working at my home school, Maryinka General Secondary Education Institution of I-III Grades No. 1. And from the very first day, I felt: I am where I belong. In my lessons, I don't just teach children mathematics; I prove that it's an interesting science, and I try to present complex moments in an accessible way. Students see me not just as a teacher but as an older friend who always inspires and supports them. I enjoy working with children, identifying and developing their abilities, and preparing students to participate in mathematics Olympiads. It is incredibly important for me to observe how children unleash their potential, overcome doubts, and achieve results.
To be useful to my students and always "in trend," I dedicate a lot of time to self-education, taking advanced training courses, participating in webinars and conferences, and learning new things to make my lessons more effective and innovative. I also participate in the work of a professional community – a community of mathematics teachers, where we exchange experiences, share methodologies, and support each other in professional growth. And I am also a homeroom teacher – which means I am an advisor, organizer, and friend. I am proud of my students and their achievements.
After becoming a mother, I realized even more how important it is to give children not only knowledge but also attention, warmth, and stability.
My hobby is an active lifestyle. I regularly participate in All-Ukrainian races and work out at the gym. Physical activity is also a way to be an example for students and youth.
In addition to my primary work at school, I am an active participant in the community's youth life. I am a member of the Youth Council of the Maryinka City Military Administration. Together with the team, we organize online events for youth, various initiatives aimed at development, self-discovery, and learning. I clearly understand that youth are not just the "future" of the country; they are our current opportunities, and I am confident that if we give the younger generation the right tools, provide timely support, and don't break their self-belief, we will have a strong, dignified, and intelligent future.
My life has not been easy, but every experience has made me more resilient, stronger, and more confident. For my active participation in the life of the school, community, and youth environment, my activities have been recognized with several certificates and commendations. For me, this is not just an award; it is confirmation that my work is fruitful and meaningful. I am grateful that I can invest my strength, experience, and heart in children and youth. This is not just a job. This is my current dream.