They also clearly understand the importance of their mission: who, if not them, will get behind the wheel of a tractor or a heavy goods vehicle, harvest the new crop, and transport it? They are not intimidated by hard work or a demanding schedule. On the contrary, everything they do brings them joy.

Nikolai Bolotnik is one such individual, who has progressed from a young specialist to a distinguished worker at SPF "Zaozerie". Nikolai Alekseevich has been behind the wheel for nearly 40 years, dedicating all these years to his native farm. He is currently working on a MAZ-555.

His achievements include numerous awards of various levels, as he is always among the leaders, does not count his own time, and loves his profession. The most important thing for him is to achieve results.

"I am originally from the village of Budevtsy. I graduated from Lepel Vocational School No. 56 (which later became Vocational School No. 175) with a degree in land reclamation machinery operator. I have been working as a driver since 1980, although my employment record was started in 1979 – during my studies, I worked as a combine harvester assistant on holidays at the Kalinin collective farm (as SPF "Zaozerie" was formerly called). No one forced me into this; I wanted to gain experience in my specialty myself. I also graduated from the Gorodok Technical College with a degree in mechanics."

In 1980, our hero was called up for service in the Armed Forces, serving in the 120th Rogachev Division. There, he gained valuable driving experience over 2 years. After completing his mandatory service, he returned to his homeland. Thus, Nikolai Alekseevich has been behind the wheel from 1980 to the present day.

He began his career as a tractor driver and was immediately entrusted with a new MTZ-82 tractor. This was not by chance – the management saw the potential of the young specialist.

He worked in a team focused on intensive labour. All its members, who were the best workers on the farm, were interested in improving agricultural practices and strictly adhering to the entire set of agrotechnical and other measures that contribute to increasing soil fertility. Nikolai Alekseevich was the team leader for flax and potatoes there.

In the 1990s, he switched to a Don-1500 combine harvester, on which he worked for about 15 years. He worked in a family crew with his wife, and his son Alexander also worked as a combine harvester assistant.

During his work with various machinery, Nikolai Alekseevich has become a true professional driver, who knows almost everything about his heavy-duty companion. The driver can even identify a malfunction in the vehicle by the sound of the engine. For his diligence and responsible attitude to work, he is respected by his colleagues and the farm management.

The management also has nothing but praise for Nikolai Alekseevich: a decent, diligent, responsible worker who drives carefully and economically. He is demanding of himself, which earns him respect. The secret to such professional success is both simple and complex: you need to love what you do, to be devoted to your chosen profession with all your soul and heart. The main thing is not to be lazy: after all, you are doing it for people, bringing them benefit.

The father of our hero also worked at the local collective farm for a long time, first as a mechanic, then as a livestock breeder. Perhaps the love for agriculture was passed down from his parents.

— And why did you choose this field for your work?

— For me, the greatest reward is to see the fruits of my labour, to realise my personal contribution to the common cause, — admits the man. – I especially love to watch the fields ripen. I am glad that I chose this profession.

His wife, Valentina Nikolaevna, is from the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine and works at the Territorial Centre for Social Services of the Lepel District.

— And how did you meet your wife?

— When Valentina was studying at the Vitebsk State Industrial College, she came to the Lepel District in September to help with the potato harvest. I was working on the harvesting machinery at the time. We met in the field. And on November 5, we got married.

Valentina really likes Belarus and has never regretted staying here.

The couple raised three children. Anya graduated from the Vitebsk Order of the Badge of Honour State Academy of Veterinary Medicine, worked as a veterinarian at SPK "Zaozerie", at the "Lepel" branch of ZAO "Vitebskagropromproduct", and now works in the laboratory of Lepel MCC. Alexander graduated from the Belarusian Order of the October Revolution and the Red Banner of Labour Agricultural Academy, and until recently worked in an agricultural enterprise, achieving high results. Tatyana graduated from the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts.

The man has little free time. Work on the farm, then work at home: the Bolotnik family keeps pigs, chickens, ducks, and cultivates a fairly large plot of land. At one time, they kept two cows, as they needed to raise children.

— How do you manage your time?

— I have a small T-25 tractor – a real helper. And my wife is an amazing person. Huge thanks to her. She had to manage the household and raise children on her own when I was in the field from dawn till dusk. And I never heard a word of reproach from her for not helping with the children's upbringing.

By the way, "Lepelski Krai" is the family's go-to newspaper.

— My wife keeps all the notes about me from the newspaper. We've been subscribing for a long time, ever since it was "Leninski Svyag". We are fans of the district newspaper, — the man laughs.

Based on materials from LK