Hasmallah Huzeifa Adil Eljak: “I was brought up at SumDU”

As a Sudanese boy, Hasmallah Huzeifa Adil Eljak’s only knowledge on Ukraine was Andrii Shevchenko and cereal growing. Today, he is a SumDU engineering graduate who reports to an Arabian TV channel.

Why did you decide to enter SumDU?

As a schoolboy, I wanted to study abroad, get acquainted with other nations and cultures. Therefore, I sought for foreign learning opportunities. Once I watched a SumDU advertisement and started reading about Ukraine. Then, I prepared papers and moved to study.

What is your first memory when you hear the word “SumDU”?

I was active at the university being the Student Vice-Rector for International Affairs. I had many friends, we lived as a big family. After graduation, I had not been to Ukraine for 10 years. Having come again, I recalled my delightful student days. Also, we felt here a great support.

Did you have a favorite lecturer?

I recollect Olha Mykolaivna from the Preparing Faculty who taught Russian. Also, there was Serhii Vasyliovych. These people replaced our parents. Besides, we communicated with Larysa Viktorivna from the dean office. She was our mother and assistant.

What did you miss at SumDU?

I missed my parents because I was very young.

What can you tell about student self-government?

I participated in the Golden Integral Contest. Next year, I got acquainted with Andrii Savochka who proposed me to become the Student Vice-Rector for International Affairs. I consented to the offer; our team won the elections. Then, I started solving problems of foreign students. Even local police had my phone number to assist in settling their issues. I spoke Arabian, English and Russian.

Also, the Student Club played a great role. I danced and led different events. With my friends, I visited different conferences on student self-government. For me, SumDU is a life school. Here, I was brought up. Now, I can cook and live independently. My Ukrainian friends became my family. Returning to my home, I missed them extremely.

Do you have a bright student memory to share?

Moving to study in Sumy, I fell ill. I and my Sudanese friend were admitted to the local hospital. I was afraid very much: I did not know Ukrainian or Russian. Doctors did not talk to us; they just gave injections. I did not understand anything. I even did not know my illness.

Then, we decided to leave the hospital and find our dormitory. We did not know its correct address. We could not explain anything to passers-by.

Suddenly, we watched a taxi. The driver knew English a bit, but his only knowledge was the word “Hi!”. Then, we started repeating “Dormitory”. The driver moved to all dormitories, and one of them was ours.

In the dormitory, there was our dean, teachers, translators and others. The doctors called and told them about our leaving. We were explained that our illness was flu, which required isolation.

Did you regard the SumDU diploma as a prestigious document?

The SumDU diploma is recognized in my country and many other Arabian states. At SumDU, you can receive high-quality knowledge and skills. It is up to students: if they want to study, the result will be perfect.

Did the SumDU study promoted your career rise?

Now, I work as a journalist for the greatest Arabian channel, which was possible due to SumDU. As a second-year student, I visited a SumDU 60th-anniversary event. There, the Sumy Broadcasting head was present. She invited me to work at a TV channel. Nina Svitailo also contributed to my employment. I anchored weather forecasts. Having returned to my country, I wanted to work as a journalist.

What would you like to wish our students and the university?

Students should focus on their study. However, the student period is unique. You cannot forget this time: it influences your character and future. Everybody should undergo it.

For university, it is necessary to develop new international partnerships, especially the Eastern ones. It is sharing student experience that my country lacks for. At SumDU, students can join self-government, obtain new skills, decide something, which is extremely important. I hope SumDU will be one of the best institutions in the world.

Reporter: Anastasiia Kyzym (ЖТ-11)

Photos: personal archive of Hasmallah Huzeifa Adil Eljak