NEWS

  In the modern world, it is rare to find a person who has devoted almost two decades to one job and position. But for the heroine of our article, the Ust-Kamenogorsk titanium and magnesium Combine has become not just a place of work - it has become a part of her life, a second family.

  The story of Ekaterina Mishchenko is a story about how hard work, dedication and kindness of heart turn an ordinary profession into a real vocation. For 18 years she has been working as a cook at the Factory, where she is known as "Aunt Katya" – a responsible, sincere and incredibly hardworking person.

The beginning of the path

  Ekaterina was born and spent her childhood in the village of Karaguzhikha. She developed a love for cooking in her early years. Her parents often cooked together, and the little girl watched as delicious dishes were born from simple products. My father gave me special inspiration – he cooked extremely tasty food and always with a soul. It was then that the future chef had a desire to connect his life with culinary business.

  After graduating from high school, Ekaterina entered the K. Nurgaliev College, where she received a secondary specialized education in 1983. Studying was easy: everything was interesting, especially practice. During her training, she completed an internship at UKTMK and immediately felt that she was in the right place. She was impressed by the large and friendly team, the atmosphere of mutual assistance and respect. After the practice, she was offered to stay, and she gladly accepted the offer. Thus began her career, which has been going on for almost two decades.

  "I love my job and I've never thought about changing it," says our interlocutor. – My best years have passed here: I have revealed myself as a specialist, found friends, created a family. This place has become my home.

Secrets of mastery

  Over the years, Aunt Katya has become a true professional. Meat dishes are her specialty. Manti, Kazakh-style meat, chebureks, belyashi – everything is swept off the shelves in the first place. Colleagues say that she has "golden hands": everything she cooks turns out delicious and homely, because she works with her soul and believes that cooking means giving people joy and care.

  UKTMK employees like literally everything that comes out from under the chefs' hands, and the absence of leftovers on the plates is direct proof of this.

  There are three people working in the kitchen now – a friendly and well-coordinated team, where everyone has their own area of responsibility. The working day starts early: they are already in place at 6:20 a.m. so that everything is ready for lunch by 10 a.m. After the workers of the Combine have been fed, the harvesting and preparation of the blanks begins the next day. The work requires attention and discipline, but the chefs perform their tasks with ease and a good mood.

  There are also funny moments. Aunt Katya recalls one incident with a smile:

– Once sugar and salt were mixed up, and instead of a sweet compote, it turned out to be salty. Everyone laughed, of course, but since then they have become doubly attentive.

Family as a support

  Working at the Plant gave Ekaterina not only professional development, but also personal happiness. It was here that she met her future husband at a professional celebration dedicated to Metallurgist's Day. They were friends for a year, then got married. My husband worked as an apparatchik in the 9th workshop, and later retired. Their family is a reliable rear, support and pride.

  Today, the couple have been together for more than forty years. They have raised two children and are happy for their grandchildren, who are looking forward to grandma's treats.

  After a busy day at work, Ekaterina likes to relax at home, enjoying the peace and comfort. In the evening, she and her husband sit comfortably in an armchair, drink tea, talk, remember their youth and listen to their favorite music. These quiet family evenings are the best way to recuperate after a busy day.

A heart devoted to the cause

  Ekaterina is known at the Plant not only as an excellent specialist, but also as a kind, sympathetic person. She is always ready to help, explain, and support with words. Young chefs often turn to her for advice, and she generously shares her experience.

  "I want to tell young people that the main thing is not to be ashamed of your profession, regardless of your occupation," she says. – Work in such a way that you have something to tell your children later. Patience, cleanliness and order in the workplace, love for people – that's what makes a chef a true master.

  Over the years, Ekaterina Mishchenko has earned respect, recognition and kind words from everyone who has ever tasted her food. After all, a cook, in her opinion, should cook not only according to a recipe, but also with his heart. The story of our heroine is the story of a man who chose the path of serving people through simple but important things: warmth, taste and care. She found her place in life, remaining true to her profession, the Factory and human values.