OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Nadezhda Dimitrova

Senior, Albert Einstein 128 Secondary School, Anglo-American School of Sofia, Sofia

1.     Why did you apply for an EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant? (Do you value the opportunity to learn about American education, culture and society as part of the program?)

The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria gives me the possibility to study in the USA, a country of freedom and knowledge. But monetary grants are not all that I have received thus far from the program. I was also given invaluable advice and a peek into the American culture, regarding both life and academics.

2.     What are your primary objectives in studying in the United States?

Since I want to become an aerospace engineer, I hope that in the U.S. I will be allowed to build my knowledge via augmented reality of flight simulators that are based on real-life. That will allow me to be more successful in the future because I would already know how to transfer my acquired knowledge to practical problems – and thus perform more efficiently in my job, which would be in NASA.

3.     Why do you prefer the United States over other countries as a place of study?

The bulk of newest scientific discoveries and theoretical innovations originate from U.S. campuses. And although one can just read academic journals to stay up to date, being “in the kitchen” would grant access to the latest available data and ideas and that itself would be very exciting and stimulating for me to grow as a person and scientist.

4.     What are your expectations of the US and university life?

In U.S. universities, students are encouraged to work on projects together in groups or even together with the professors. I am looking forward to a positive learning relationship which would be extremely beneficial to me not only to train practical skills and problem solving strategies, but also to build a network of other intelligent engineers that I would respect and work with.

5.     Have you researched US institutions to determine an appropriate placement? If so, what universities do you find most appropriate and why?

I have done extensive research on US universities that were encouraged and facilitated by Ms. Teneva. The results were that I like many colleges as their campuses are beautiful and the level of academic competency is really high. MIT is an obvious choice for someone who wants to study engineering, and the school is definitely worth all beautiful words said about it. Nonetheless, smaller schools offer similar opportunities. Rice University is a school with a positive learning environment that is located very close to the International Space Station. This is invaluable to me, as my goal is to work at NASA.

6.     How will the Opportunity experience (acquisition of new skills and knowledge) assist you in achieving your academic goals?

The Opportunity Funds do not only grant money to their applicants. We are also taught at modules held in Lozen how to perform better on tests (including the SATs and the TOEFL iBT) by inquisitive teachers. The skills acquired at these trainings help me develop my overall academic standings and focus on my learning experience.

7.     What advice would you give to future candidates applying for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds grants?

To all the future candidates of the program, I would like to say that it is a rare opportunity and a privilege, but also a responsibility. One needs to put a lot of effort in preparation for the application process (including working for standardized exams and extensive research). However, if ready to do the work load on time and follow the instructions of our mentors, the program is very rewarding. I am allowed to follow my passions and dreams!

Disclaimer

The text is published in its original and unedited version.