BELARUS STATE
ECONOMIC UNIVERSITY

25.06.2026

High Recognition: BGEU Associate Professor Evgeniya Sharilova Awarded a Letter of Gratitude from the President of the Republic of Belarus

A letter of gratitude from the President of the Republic of Belarus is the highest recognition of professionalism, dedication, and meticulous teaching. Among those receiving this prestigious award is Evgeniya Evgenyevna Sharilova, Associate Professor of the BGEU Statistics Department and PhD in Economics. She demonstrates in every lecture that statistics is not a dry set of numbers, but a fascinating tool for understanding the world. In our conversation today, Evgeniya Evgenyevna shared her thoughts on this recognition at the state level, the "magic" of big data, the secrets to keeping pragmatic students engaged, and the feeling a teacher experiences when freshmen become highly skilled specialists.

— Evgeniya Evgenyevna, congratulations on this high state award! The President's letter of gratitude is recognition of your achievements not only as a scientist but also as an educator. What does this event mean to you, and how does it change your perception of your daily teaching work?

— Thank you so much! I hope the President's Commendation confirms that we must continue to work in the same spirit—conscientiously doing our job every day and trying to inject some zest into it, adapting to today's youth.

— Statistics often seems dry and purely academic to students. How do you engage your audience with this subject? What, in your opinion, is the "magic" of statistics, if we look at it not as a collection of data, but as a tool for understanding the world?

— And that's true: the very word "statistics" often intimidates first-year students at BGEU. Therefore, in the first lecture, I have to be a bit of a psychologist and help the students overcome their fear of the subject. My main task is to show them that numbers are everywhere. They surround us in everyday life and will accompany us even more so in our future professional careers. They shouldn't be feared; they should be learned to "read" them. The "magic" of statistics lies precisely in the ability to discern the diversity of the real world, its hidden patterns—sometimes very unexpected and non-obvious—beyond dry indicators.

— Your research is inextricably linked with demography and population statistics. These disciplines are more relevant than ever. What demographic challenges do you believe Belarusian society faces today, and what role do statistics play in them?

— Belarus faces demographic challenges similar to those faced by the entire developed world: an aging population and low birth rates. Statistics, traditionally through numbers, allow us to highlight these problems, identify their causes, and outline possible solutions.
— BGEU students are energetic and pragmatic. How do you find a balance in presenting the material so that subjects requiring deep concentration (investments, statistics) are understandable and engaging for them?

— The current generation demands new approaches, so it's important for teachers to be flexible. I constantly try to combine different formats. For example, I incorporate interactive and game elements into traditional lectures: we solve thematic crosswords and play the statistical game Alias. We also often hold lively discussions, watch educational videos, and work with modern online services. This mix of theory and interaction helps students shift their focus and grasp even the most complex topics much more easily.

— Statistics is the art of seeing patterns. Does this professional habit help you in everyday life? Do you ever analyze reality as a set of statistical data, even outside of university?

— Yes, I do catch myself thinking that I can't help but see statistical patterns behind many recurring events. It's become a kind of professional deformation. And, frankly, my family sometimes doesn't really like it when I start looking at ordinary everyday situations through the eyes of a statistician.

— A presidential commendation is always the result of painstaking work, including with students. What is the most important criterion for success in your work as a teacher? Are you proud of the achievements of your graduates?

— The main criterion of success is to see the tangible results of your work, to understand what you've truly taught. And, of course, behind every such achievement lies the collective work of the entire BGEU faculty. I am immensely proud of the successes of our graduates. Watching them is like watching timid first-year students transform into beautiful and strong swans. This is what inspires them and gives them the strength to move forward with even greater passion and joy.

— Digitalization is changing everything: new data collection methods and neural networks are emerging. How do you think the statistician profession is changing in the era of Big Data? What should students just starting out in this field be prepared for today?

— Certainly, in our era, both students and faculty must master new technological solutions in a timely manner. However, I am convinced that building a solid foundation remains paramount. This requires a deep understanding of the purpose and limitations of statistical methods, knowledge of formulas (which students traditionally dislike), and the ability to formulate conclusions based on calculations. Only by mastering this classical foundation can one effectively utilize the full potential of modern digitalization.

— What advice would you give to your university colleagues and students, who will be developing our science and economy tomorrow?

— On the eve of the holidays, I would like to wish all my colleagues a good rest and recharge before the new academic year, because only a recharged teacher can truly "work with passion"! To the students, I sincerely wish them a vibrant and enjoyable vacation, and in the new academic year, to study not from session to session, but systematically and without overload. Complete assignments with pleasure, independently discover new knowledge, and strive to make mastering your future profession a truly engaging process.