On the eve of Heroes of the Fatherland Day, Volga Region University hosted an open meeting as part of the series "Are Heroes Born or Made?" The event was organized by the Academy of Creative Youth of the Republic of Tatarstan in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs of Tatarstan, with the support of the Anti-Terrorism Commission of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Alena Afonina, head of the Tatarstan regional branch of the All-Russian Student Rescue Corps, shared her diverse experiences with the university students. The discussion was moderated by Adilya Fattakhova, chair of the regional public organization "Youth of Tatarstan."
The guest recounted how her rescue journey began, noting that she has distinguished herself both at public events and by helping people in emergency situations. Her first major mission was helping to extinguish fires in Yakutia. Afonina's passion for an active life began as a teenager, when she was involved in parachuting.
"I've always wanted to help people and contribute to society, to serve it, as I used to say as a child. Even now, when I travel to a Special Military Operations zone, I only think about helping those in need. But despite this, I don't consider myself a special person.
I think what distinguishes a hero, first and foremost, is the desire to help and care for others, to take initiatives. As I say, desire is the beginning of everything. You don't need a special body or intelligence—it's enough to want to develop and make a difference," she noted, describing the principles of a true hero.
Alena Afonina also shared tips on how to avoid giving in to emotions in stressful situations, noting that the most important thing is to switch from worrying to everyday activities, and to give yourself some time to make an informed decision.
Furthermore, she spoke about her experience working with the Ministry of Emergency Situations and shared stories from her professional career, which helped the students learn more about the difficult but noble work of rescuers. According to her, anyone wishing to join the All-Russian Student Rescue Corps will first undergo two weeks of preliminary theoretical and practical training, after which they will be able to begin helping people with their senior comrades.
"I don't think heroes are born. Ordinary, pure people are born, and then, under the influence of circumstances and their environment, they absorb positive or negative values that subsequently shape their personality. So, of course, heroes only become heroes."
I'd also like to point out that rescuers and doctors are just like everyone else, and they also experience fear—only fools aren't afraid. But we struggle every day not only with emergency situations, but also with our own fear, overcoming it and going to help others. Being afraid isn't scary; the main thing is to overcome it and move forward," concluded Alena Afonina, answering the main question of the meeting.
Text: Adelina Khramova
Photo by Alina Gilmullina
