Episode Transcript
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 0:00
your femininity is powerful in all its forms, exceptional women, rare girls must be appreciated in every way for their perspectives, actions, thoughts, and their unique ways of being. Such rare girls are inspiring. And this is what this podcast is all about. Hello, my name is Aziz and my guest today is Luba Slesarenko. Luba is from Mykolaiv of Ukraine. She is currently studying physics and math, and has an extensive experience in participating in various Olympiads and stem competitions. Luba is a member of global talent mentoring, New York Academy of Science, and junior Academy of Science of Ukraine. She is currently writing a research paper on thermal nuclear reactors, as well as on how does temperature affect musical instruments. Luba is a co founder of a charity project in her school and member of TED Ed Club, where she conducted a talk about the war in Ukraine, her hobbies are playing the piano, reading books, and listening to podcast, Luba Loba. How are you today?
Luba Slesarenko 1:33
Hello, was this. Thank you so much for meeting with me. I'm really happy to be here today and talk with you a little bit. I'm doing well. And what about you?
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 1:43
I'm feeling optimistic. I'm feeling grateful and curious about you to ask you. What fascinates you about the STEM fields in general? What is the attractor or the thing that makes you think, Wow, this is really interesting.
Luba Slesarenko 2:02
Thank you so much for the question. I think it started from my childhood, because I been interested in STEM since I was seven years old, I guess. And for me, science is like a perfect tennis game, because you ask question, and you get the answer. But sometimes you don't. And it means that you should research and I'm really fascinated about figure out how our universe works, and what sciences and everything like that. So yeah, I just like figuring out what was around me and how it works.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 2:47
Thank you, and which part is the most fascinating and interesting for you? Is it that exploration and research and trying to answer? Or is it when you find answers to big questions about life, the universe? And everything?
Luba Slesarenko 3:05
Yes, I always been interested in researching something. Because when you just ask the question, and you get the answer immediately, it's not really interesting. And that's why currently, um, inter lots of researching, and the most fascinating topic about me is quantum mechanics and just want to fix the physics in general. That's why I like physics, like the most. And also math, because math is like instruments to figure out how everything works.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 3:43
Thank you. And as a child, were you always curious about everything, asking your parents many, many questions about everything around? Or is this more of a spiritual desire to truly understand life where you belong in the universe? And what is the meaning of this whole planet and life and our existence?
Luba Slesarenko 4:09
Yes, thanks so much for the question. I remember that I always asked my parents also questions. And of course, sometimes they didn't know the answer. And I asked them to buy, like, to me, lots of books. And I really like reading books and just get some information from there. But in most cases, of course, it was my parents who judge me also stuff and I'm really grateful to
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 4:41
them. Thank you, and what is your productivity method? Because you're a very active person, you do a lot of things and at the same time, many people either say they don't have the time they don't have the energy, or there are obstacles to them. Doing it. and achieving many things. How do you plan your day? Do you plan rest periods? Or you're just every day, following your curiosity and your drives? Do you have a specific way to keep going long term after your goals without burning out?
Luba Slesarenko 5:18
Yes, I have one tip that I think is really helpful to me. When you're doing something that is you like, you just don't know how time goes. And yeah, I mean, I'm really I'm not really good at time management and setting goals. But if I like something, I going to do that, like, for all the time that I have. And I never said that. I don't have time for something. Because, I mean, I like this. And I will always find some time to do what I like.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 5:57
Thank you. And you have a TED talk about the war in Ukraine. What did you say in it? And do you have any updated perspectives on the situation? Can you share more?
Luba Slesarenko 6:09
Yes, I have a TED talk, which is called is it really easy to make worth and to make peace? And I have been talking about my personal experience, about some historical background. And of course, I tried to answer the main question, that, to my core is not easy, because that's how people die. And the piece is the best solution just ever. And yeah, I mean, it's been almost like five months, since we're started. And I'm still kind of in denial, because it just horrible. And in most cases, I believe that this is gonna end really soon. And I will come back to Ukraine and talk my dad, and tell him how much I love him. And I just miss my home, my loved ones. And I am waiting when it's all gonna be over.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 7:16
I agree with you. 100% and Slava. grainy. And I know and this difficult situation, one, two, and there's understand you even more as a Ukrainian, how would you describe your personality? Or how would your friends both in Ukraine and outside Ukraine, describe you? Would they see different things? Would they say different things?
Luba Slesarenko 7:45
Hello, I'm Slava, thank you so much for the question. And I think if you would ask my friends describe me, they would say that I'm dedicated. That I am kind, and in some way, hilarious. Yeah. Because I, I'm devoted to something that I like, and I'm going to do that like for the rest of my life. But in terms of talking about science right now. And so I'm coming to me, is like, kind of obvious, because I'm really open to everyone who needs my help. And I will, oh, I mean, I have even charity project over my team, and I help like, everyone who needs it. And for me, volunteering is more about when you help, you will be helped, because currently, when I need some help, everyone is open to make it and the last is that I'm hilarious. I mean, in some ways, probably I am. But of course, it depends on the person.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 9:05
Thank you. And if you were to compare your charity work and efforts to your scientific research and efforts, what is similar between those for you? And are there any links or connections?
Luba Slesarenko 9:23
Yes, I like helping people. And I like science. And this is what I spend my most time to. But in most cases, like, my charity project is about how to read off plastic on our planet and how to save our planet from it. And of course, we help like, lonely elderly or homeless animals and all of this stuff. And I guess they're no connections between my ears so hopeless, but I still like judo, charity, and Judo science.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 10:13
Thank you. This is really, really interesting. And when it comes to you making friends, I don't know if you're making new friends there where you are in the UK. But do you find it easy? What kinds of people do you look for? Do you look for specific values, specific characteristics, or just people you have a vibe by and good energy wave more than anything? Tell me more?
Luba Slesarenko 10:46
Yes, I'm really shy person and self conscious. And when it comes to making new friends, I'm kind of introverted, and it's not easy for me. But when I'm looking for new acquaintances, or new friends, I'm looking for people who have the same hobbies and the same interest that I have. And because sometimes, when, in most cases, I'm talking about science and different theories and phenomenons, and some people just oh, it's time I gotta go. It's really nice to meet you. But yeah. That's why I'm looking for the same people who, who will be interested in what I'm telling them? And like, Oh, you're talking about black holes? It's really interesting topic. I mean, what you research about or something like that? And, yeah, I'm, in most cases, I'm looking for this kind of person.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 11:59
Thank you. And do you find a lot of them often? Or are they rare? And what would be the most like typical place that you meet them? Is it in clubs, stem clubs, and like mathematical associations, or going to different events that are related to physics, etc? Or is it people who study with you? Who you see day to day?
Luba Slesarenko 12:32
Yes, I feel lack of such people around me. Because I can really talk with them face to face. And sometimes I'm looking for such people in the internet. And yeah, I find a like, in some projects, or in some online, also associations or anything like that. But I can say that I have lots of friends around me, in my class or in some other clubs that I mean, but I have lots of friends online. And I don't feel like it's bad because most of people chatting online. And yeah, it's kind of easier to find new friends, when you have access to the internet.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 13:39
Thank you. A lot of people say that the younger generation are spending so much time online, that they don't know how to have real life conversations. There is something I think called Text overt, which is when you're texting, you're so outgoing and expressive, but in real life, being silent and super shy. Do you agree with this? Do you feel that online friendships are destroying social skills? Or what's your perspective on this?
Luba Slesarenko 14:12
Yes, I think that most of people nowadays are chatting online, they find friends and wine, their partners online and anything like that. And in some cases, it's kind of useful, but personally, for me, I can say that I'm not really a blind person, and I don't have lots of accounts on social media, and something like that, but I like talking face to face. And this is what currently I don't have much, but I hope that in the future, I know Find some friends in my real life. And yeah, this is what? This is my perspective on this question.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 15:13
Thank you. And since you have lived in Ukraine, of course, and now you're in the UK, if you could describe to someone who never visited Ukraine, how are Ukrainian people? What is Ukrainian culture? And did you have a culture shock in the UK? Or how would you compare your culture to the culture where you are currently?
Luba Slesarenko 15:39
Of course, there are some differences between British culture and Ukrainian culture. But I will say that, in most cases, Ukrainians are very open people, they are very kind and friendly. And so most of all, I'm proud of my language of Ukrainian costumes and traditions and cuisine, especially delicious. Food. But yeah, I can't say that I have like culture shock when I moved to the UK, because people, they're also very open and kind. But yeah,
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 16:28
thank you. And can you share? How was that day, February 24. For you? What happened? How did you discover the war? How did you feel? And even now this whole war experience? How did it change you as a person?
Luba Slesarenko 16:46
Yes, thank you for the question. I think, for all Ukrainians, this day, was kind of similar, because my family and I used that peacefully at home. And then in the morning, my mother woke me up and said, we call up the war has become, and the the first time when I heard the error rate, we moved into the bomb shelter. And there, I had this thoughts in my mind, when I first heard the explosions and the error, siren and all of this stuff. I've been terrified. And when I went to bed, thinking that I might want to wake up, and it was the most horrible those that are ever had in my mind. And I never, I had no clue that I ever could have such terrible thoughts in my head. But this is what made me think in this way, that we all have two eyes. The second begins when you realize that you only have one. And that was the time that I realized that I have to live my best life, because I used to delay something that I wants to do before war started. And I feel good. And I felt guilty guilty about this, because when the worst started, I couldn't do that anymore. So yeah, and I blame myself for that. I didn't help my dad, or that I didn't tell him that I love him. Or that I didn't go for a walk with my friends or something like that. And yeah, so we all have live our best life. And never hesitate to do something that you like, and never postpone something fascinating that you want to do. But you always do like this.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 19:06
That is very wise. I agree with you. 100%. And it's a very good message. And to focus again, more on you as a woman in STEM. How do you feel women are treated in STEM? Is it full of opportunities? Or are there obstacles? Do you feel there is a big future for you in it without too much problems? Or what do you think it is to be a woman who were with interested in math, and science and physics, et cetera?
Luba Slesarenko 19:46
Yes, thank you for the question. I consider myself as a girl in STEM, but I can say that I've never ever felt any kind of bullying or something bad about myself from others. And in some cases, women are kind of treated in this area. And they have lots of opportunities, even more than men do, but, but again, I'm really happy that I live in such a time when the boundaries between girls and boys are kind of blurry. And even now, people like less and less, don't care about your gender, they do care about you as a human being about your feelings, and emotions and ideas. And I think this is how it should be. Because everyone is equal. And I don't, I don't think that we have, I don't think that we have to, like separate people, by the, by their gender.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 21:05
I'm glad about that. And I believe that 100% And you as a person, who are your role models in this world? Are there some people from the past from currently or from even fiction that represent to you, who you aspire to be?
Luba Slesarenko 21:26
Yes, we're going to talk about science, I will say that I have lots of role models. Because like, I like Albert Einstein, or Richard Fineman, or Stephen Hawking, and those people inspire me a lot. And, of course, I wanted to become as famous and as outstanding that they were. And yeah, I'm, I'm really fascinated about such person who achieved to lots of goals. And yeah, I really, really like them.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 22:16
Thank you, we spoke before about the importance of you finding answers to the questions of life. Now you're speaking about achievement? What motivates you to achieve things in general, like projects, et cetera? Because sometimes you can get answers without really creating achievements. So they're separate to you what motivates you when it comes to achievements? And why?
Luba Slesarenko 22:46
Yeah, this really difficult question. Again, quite often, famous scientists motivate me to achieve some goals, because I realized that every goal that I achieved, is somehow related to to my future career as a scientist, and even now as a junior scientist. And but again, if you're doing something that you like, you don't have to set any goals, because it just happens kind of, naturally. And yeah, I mean, if you're fascinated about, you're gonna achieve a lot in this area.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 23:30
Thank you. And I will ask you about language learning, and you speak English very well. What is your process? Is it was it enough the education you received in school in order to improve your English? Or did you practice outside or online or find other courses and programs? And what would you recommend to any young Ukrainians listening or people who are not fluent in English in order to be inspired from your own method in order to progress and improve their language, acquisition and expression abilities?
Luba Slesarenko 24:15
Thank you so much for the question. First of all, I want to say thank you to my English teacher, because she taught me almost like everything that I know. And I'm not talking about grammar, and speaking skills and all this stuff. But I would advise English learners to create such an environment where you should think in English where you have to talk with your friends in English, or E, I don't know. Chatting them in English or do all of these stuff. Yeah. And also try to read some like, I don't know, elementary books in English, or watch movies with subtitles in English or to everything, like just surround yourself by anything that's connected to English somehow.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 25:27
Thank you so much. That's really valuable input. And I thank your teachers as well, when it comes to the war in Ukraine, and you mentioned that you hope soon it will end and you will return to Ukraine, et cetera. What gives you this belief? Do you have information you have ideas? Or is it positivity, optimism and knowing that good people win in the end?
Luba Slesarenko 25:58
an airy fairy tale as yet, every fairy tale has a good end. Yeah, but I've been talking about this with my history teacher and with my mom, because she is also a history teacher. And I mean, history moves in a spiral. And we already you the the way, how we're begins and how we're ends, and everything between this. And I think that it all depends on the international situation, because lots of countries help Ukrainians with weapons or with money or anything like that, especially United Kingdom and in the United States of America, and lots of Europeans country is and yeah, but, again, what's happening right now in Ukraine is kind of similar to the Second World War World Tour. And I hope that this is going to end soon, because I just believe in it. And, again, Russia has lots of weapons and fuel and connections with other countries, but I just believe in good.
Abdulaziz M Alhamdan 27:35
It's very true. Thank you so much Luba. This was my privilege, my honor. Very, very insightful conversation and Slava Ukrainy.
Luba Slesarenko 27:49
Heroyam Slava, thank you so much for reading with me. Have a good day.
