Due to Russia’s war against Ukraine, which began on February 24, life in Ukraine has deviated from its normal course. Despite this, in a country where life is attempted to be maintained, some academics continue their academic work without interruption. Among them is one who, despite all adversities and even under war conditions, continues her preparations to participate in the “4th International Congress of Positive Psychology” organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi. Prof. Dr. Daria Suprun from Kyiv Drahomanov National Pedagogical University, stating that she still cannot believe what she is experiencing, said that despite the war, she would present a paper at the congress as planned and would attend the congress if conditions allowed. Suprun said, “In war, we must do the work we did in peacetime with greater strength.”
“I thought war was impossible and unrealistic in the 21st century”
The 4th International Congress of Positive Psychology, organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi between March 18-19, will be held under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine war.
This year, the Positive Psychology Congress will also host a guest from the war zone, Ukraine. Prof. Dr. Daria Suprun, who is carrying out her preparations for congress participation, said that she continues her academic work despite the war that started in Ukraine. Suprun, a mother of two, stated that they are going through difficult days in their country and made the following assessments:
Ukrainian academic Prof. Dr. Suprun: “I still cannot believe that what we are experiencing is real…”
“Our lives suddenly deviated from their normal course. Until the war started, we used to think that war was impossible in this era. I would like to thank Üsküdar Üniversitesi and the congress secretary, Assistant Professor Dr. Fatma Turan, for your support. As a mother and an academic, I don't know what to say about what I am experiencing and my emotions right now. For me, life is divided into ‘before the war’ and ‘during the war’. Time seems to have stopped, and even though it is March, there is no sign of spring in our lives. I thought war was impossible and unrealistic in the 21st century. I still cannot believe that what we are experiencing is real, and I am in a state of complete chaos.” she said.
“I have hopes for a bright and peaceful future”
Suprun pointed out that despite the war in Ukraine, one should not stop hoping for future generations, emphasizing that she continues her work despite the war. Suprun said, “I have a 4-year-old daughter and a 3-month-old baby boy. As a mother, I can see how striking the contrast is between the childish joy they experience and the war. Although I have concerns about my children's safety, I have hopes for a bright and peaceful future for them. We are strong, and we will stand tall.” she stated.
“In war, we must do the things we did in peacetime with greater strength”
Stating that there is no place for war in the lives of Ukrainians, Suprun emphasized the importance of continuing life while the war continues, and stated that she would participate in the 4th International Congress of Positive Psychology organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi. Suprun said, “During this period of war, we must do the things we did in peacetime with even greater strength. We must continue our work, and promote rational, positive, common-sense ideas for the development of a society where there is no place for war in their lives... For this reason, I will take part in the congress organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi, and I hope to present my paper if conditions allow.” she said.