Olga T. (SEE) - willpower, endurance, responsibility, and authoritative role models

I studied music but understood nothing in solfège. I didn’t like music. But I had good results in sports. This child must find on their own what suits them best. They need sports that develop willpower and endurance — artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, skiing, track and field.

<...> I went to art school. I studied English, I liked it. Now I know two languages — English and German. At twenty-four I got my job because the boss was American and needed someone who knew languages.

In one school the teacher was gentle, lenient; I studied poorly there. But in the lyceum the method was structured and the teacher was strict. She gave the material, and next class we had a test on it — and then new material. No baby talk. Material — test — new material. And so on. I memorized everything.

For children to be obedient and satisfied with their lives, they must achieve something, realize themselves in something. To do that, they need to be taught — and for that, strictness is necessary. A mentor must command respect, be strict, and cultivate responsibility in the child.

I was very pliant, patient. During stretching the coach would always say I was the most pliable child. In training they pull your muscles, do stretching — tears run down your face. I was five or six, my “bones were being broken,” and I endured.

The gymnastics coach was an authoritative, strong person; I trusted him. If he was stretching my ligaments, then it had to be done. I had the word “must” in my head. This must be done, and then there will be a result — you will learn. This child needs to be shown cause and effect. Do it right — you’ll get a medal. Work today, work tomorrow, the day after tomorrow — and you’ll achieve what you want.

<...> I wanted to be like them, I watched, I studied the women everyone admired. I always picked out people from the crowd whom I liked and observed them closely. I became a professional precisely because of this. My first job: I became a secretary for a very rich and educated man. He had many businesses. I absorbed the mechanism of the lives of such people, their lifestyle, their way of working. A role model before my eyes — he is still an authority for me. We choose someone we like and try to do as they do, or even better. A SEE needs an authority.