A graduate of Samara State University Shamil Gimaev is 27 years old, he is a blogger with an audience of several million people, and his energy can only be envied. How Shamil, better known to subscribers as Shoma Tos, manages to work on television, engage in public activities, set sports records, he told, answering questions from participants and winners of the university competition "Everyone is Important", organized by the Coordination Center for the formation of an active lifestyle among young people, prevention of interethnic and interfaith conflicts, countering the ideology of terrorism, prevention of extremism. And we asked the blogger about the role of higher education in his personal success story.



- In what field did you study at Samara University?

- I graduated from the University in 2018. I studied at the Institute of Economics and Management in the field of marketing and strategic management. So I'm an economist.

- Now many well-known bloggers find themselves in a difficult situation due to violation of tax legislation. Does your economics education help you build a job from a financial perspective?

- Absolutely. I came to blogging with education, experience and a certain background. When I first started earning my first income from working in social networks, I relied on the experience I gained at my native University. I immediately delved into the taxation system in this area as much as possible, so as not to get into the wrong situations, and gradually built this work. So I have no financial problems, thanks to the University for that!

- Do bloggers need higher education in general? Many of the celebrities say that sometimes creativity and charisma are enough.

- Higher education will never be superfluous. In addition to knowledge, the university provides socialization, interaction experience, and communication skills. And when you miss this certain vital stage, you lose a lot. Of course, knowledge can now be obtained independently, but when you get information in a group, it gives a completely different turn in life.

- If you were choosing which higher education to get right now, which area would you choose?

- I would probably choose the same thing, it was very comfortable for me to study: I did not miss classes, I delved into everything, everything was easy. I actively participated in scientific conferences, consistently made presentations, and published scientific articles. The trajectory invariably went up.

In general, it was the best time in my life: thanks to the University and the Reserve-Officer Training Department, I acquired very important skills for myself: experience in the field of public initiatives, interaction with the public sector, and communication skills with people of higher social status.

- And what exactly did the Reserve-Officer Training Department (now a military training center) give you?

- It turned my life around by 180%! I don't know where I would be right now without it. There we were taught to always be neat, tidy, laced up – I remember the first month was very difficult, but then I got involved. It was there that I was taught discipline, concentration, and consistency. These qualities are very useful – I can find a common language with anyone and in any environment.

So, unlike many celebrities, I am never late, I always come to meetings and events in advance – the organizers are often surprised by this. These qualities have helped me out more than once: when it is necessary to arrive on time for filming on federal TV channels, and when it is necessary to prepare a script and learn the text – those who fail to cope with these seemingly simple tasks face huge fines. I have no such problems.



- Now students at Samara University, in addition to the main specialty, are offered to get an IT specialty for free, regardless of their training profile. Do philologists, engineers, biologists and other students need to learn digital skills?

- These areas are developing very strongly now, and I think it is promising to have skills in this area. For example, being a sports blogger, I try to study web design and game design. So far it's interesting as a hobby, but who knows when it might come in handy in life. IT specialties will be in great demand, and it is very important to study them: they will help in the work.

- And for what, while still studying at the University, did you receive the Mikhail Kalashnikov Medal?

- It was when I studied at the Reserve-Officer Training Department: we conducted patriotic work with young people, interacted with orphanages, with difficult teenagers. I led the Stop Extremism project, conducted lessons of courage, and organized sports events for difficult teenagers in boxing, football, and table tennis. We timed them to the Days of Military Glory: we told, showed and taught the guys everything we knew and could do.

- Did you have time for extracurricular activities?

- I was a very active student and probably tried everything except dancing and participating in student spring festivals. I was nominated as the student of the year in the sports and patriotic field. At the same time, I was engaged in fencing and equestrian sports, kickboxing and powerlifting.

- And how does your family feel about your work?

- I was raised quite strictly, I have been used to adhere to certain limits and restrictions since childhood, and at first it was difficult for my parents to understand and accept my choice. But when they saw the results of this work and the successes I have achieved in blogging, they got into it and now fully support me. My wife also supports me: she helps to create content for social networks. So if you feel like you have the ability, don't be afraid to make yourself known to the world. Every person has potential – there is no need to be afraid of difficulties: if you do not try yourself in one area or another, you will not be able to fulfil yourself.

- How is the blogger's working day going now?

- When I was studying at the university, I was busy 25/8! I was completely immersed in my studies and sports training, and there was no time for social media. Now I wake up at 6.30 am every day: I need to keep fit. Then, I have trainings and work: participation in television and Internet projects, maintaining social networks, blogging, collaborations with partners. So now I'm busy 25/8.

Photo: Olesya Orina