Regina Kurpedinova

1st category specialist, Public Amenities Office of the Ecology Bureau of the Department of Urban Economy, the Department of Urban Economy of the Tyumen City Administration

Back in 2008 I decided to study biology at the University of Tyumen, and it was not an easy decision. Back then I didn't know that it would be perfect for me. I enrolled in the Landscape Architecture program. We were the first students to study in it. Everything seemed new, unusual and a bit strange. A couple of months passed, I got used to it, made a lot of good friends, met my first love, found my second home with "parents" who were always there for us when we needed them in a difficult situation, who always gave us a second chance, who always supported us and tried to make sure that we left the classroom with the necessary set of knowledge. Remarkably, the University dining-hall with delicious food and mind-blowing smells will remain in my memory forever, it was escpecially packed with people during breaks. Time passed... Classes... Internship... Trips... I knew this place was the best to study at: we had lots of fun and, at the same time, had very useful field internship trips; we had such a cozy home-like atmosphere, constant rehearsals for art competitions. We didn't want to go home, we wanted to spend more time together. Time passed. We were growing up. Did my knowledge come in handy? Definitely yes. I worked in the largest nurseries of Tyumen, which are part of the Russian Nursery Stock Association. Now I work in the Public Amenities Office of the Tyumen City Administration. I am responsible for landscaping and caring for private gardens. I receive regular invitations to supervise landscaping projects in other cities. All this became possible due to the skills obtained at the university. Many thanks to the professors for their contribution of experience, time and knowledge, instilling the love for plants, ecology and design. Sometimes I ask myself: "Where else could I study, if not there?" I always think and then realize it to the best choice. I will always be grateful to those who were involved in this choice, in my studies, in my university life, and in my life now.