OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Kaloyan Valchev

        Senior, Doctor Petar Beron High School of Mathematics, Varna

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?)

I heard about the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds – Bulgaria program from my Mathematics teacher, who introduced the program to students at my school. I became instantly interested in the program because of several reasons.

First of all, Opportunity Funds offers complete preparation for applying in American universities. I was just about to look for someone to guide me across the number of steps toward studying in the US, when I discovered OF and found out that it offered anything I needed. Not only did OF answer all of my questions about the requirements and the application process, but it also proposed intensive test preparation.

Secondly, when I chose to apply for the OF program, I appeared to be a suitable candidate. I have excellent school results, nationally-recognized academic achievements, a variety of interests, and limited financial abilities. I am also an international-class tennis player, which distinguishes me from other potential candidates.

Thirdly, the OF program is funded by the US Government, which means that OF students are directly exposed to the American educational system. Moreover, thanks to my excellent OF teachers, I learned plentiful details about the American culture and society at first hand.

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

My main principle in life is to strive to achieve the optimum. It is natural that my primary objective is to obtain the best possible education. Apart from this, I would like to gather valuable experience in social activities, self-management, and organization. Studying and sharing ideas in that high-academic environment will be extremely beneficial to my future development. During my education, I also intend to continue playing tennis, as it has been my primary activity since I was four years old.

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

My family and I decided that I should continue my education in the US for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the American universities provide the highest-class education in the world, as evidenced by the numerous charts and statistics on the Internet. If you look at such a chart, you will notice that most of the top-ranked schools are American. In addition, it is indisputable that American universities prevail significantly in teaching Economics, in comparison with universities in other countries. Economics is one of the majors I intend to study.

Secondly, the American institutions provide unique opportunities to play sports during the years of education. Not only are bountiful sports available to students, but they are also practiced at a notably high level. There is no other country which supports this kind of synthesis in such a great manner. This exact reason is of a vast importance to me.

Thirdly, the American institutions offer outstanding financial aid. Without that considerable amount of money that is distributed to support students, I would not be able to fulfil my educational goals. In this aspect, the US is unattainable.

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

I expect to discover a world of countless possibilities. In my opinion, every university is a small world that unites various fields of study and people of different origins. In every school one can choose from a long list of majors, according to his or her interests. I expect the university life to be perfectly organized, fast but calm, exciting but peaceful, complex but essential. I will have more social contacts, more abilities, and more obligations. I reckon that the university life will be a valuable preparation to my life after graduation.

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

OF inspired me and recommended me to research the US institutions before I decide in which to apply. Most importantly, the school must propose sufficient financial aid. This includes need-based support, merit-based or athletic scholarships, and fee waivers, which usually have to contribute about 100% of the total costs. Another significant role in my decision plays the availability of specific majors. I look for universities offering courses in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, and Business-related subjects. After that, the schools in my list should maintain an appropriate men’s tennis team. For me it is even more favorable if the team is division one of NCAA. I prefer large urban or suburban universities, because I would like to acquaint to the emblematic big city life, which also offers broader possibilities for social and cultural interaction and integration. I would be pleased if the school admits a high percentage of international students. This fortifies my chances of admission and also contributes to the diversity of students I am about to meet at the campus.

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

The knowledge I gathered has already facilitated my admission process in a drastic way. Thanks to the OF experience, now I feel more confident in myself, I have a clear view of the challenges I will have to face in the near future, and I can set adequate academic goals. The chance to meet and friend eleven more excellent students who are in my situation and are heading in the same direction is another valuable feature of my OF experience.

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

I would advise future OF candidates to appreciate every minute of the program. Although the three modules involved intensive hard work, they are perfectly structured. If these candidates realize the unique chances offered by the OF program and put enough effort in the process, success will come naturally.

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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!

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OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Radoslav Bonev

        Senior, Petko Rachev Slaveikov Secondary School, Tryavna

My inexorable lust for challenges led me to EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria. I aim to grow intellectually and mentally every day. Every opportunity matters for me. Before I applied for the Opportunity Funds program I never thought I could get so close to becoming part of the prominent American education. Since January I never stopped and I have shown my finest zeal to shape my application and prepare for standardized exams. This taught me the most important lesson I have learned so far – people who do not believe in themselves will never be successful. I realized that I made a mistake by not starting to prepare earlier but I am convinced that everything will happen the way it should. Perhaps the most unimaginable part of the Opportunity Funds program are the other students. Nothing can broaden your mind as meeting people who are intelligent, diligent, and motivated. Although we are different when it comes to the academic areas, interests, hobbies, and passions, we all share the same mind-set. Such a group provides an atmosphere where you can learn something new from everybody. This does not necessarily mean scholastic knowledge – it could be something about the world we live in, the drive which leads one to success, the perspective of analyzing the world. I already learned a lot; I moved to next level of maturity and mind-set. While being part of Opportunity Funds, I realized that I missed many opportunities, I made many mistakes, I misunderstood many concepts. I wish I could go back in time and change my strategy. Not only is that impossible but also it leads to many regrets. However, I learned that you never know what you win when you fail at something. I regret about nothing – I am ready to concede that I made mistakes but I am not afraid of keep on fighting. Nothing happens overnight, nothing even happens for a week, or a month. I know that I might fail again but I am confident that ultimately, I am going to achieve my goals.

My primary objective in studying in the United States is to experience a similar atmosphere to the one in the Opportunity Funds program. This is a new challenge which I am going to embrace if I have the opportunity. I am ready to keep working on myself because I am confident that I found the right strategy for me. I intend to pursue a career in Computer Science. However, I do not consider the technical skills the most important knowledge that I can obtain in the United States. Rather, the atmosphere which it provides is the most valuable. People from different cultural backgrounds and academic areas are all together. In the United States, you are near the epicenter of all the spectacular events not only in the area of technology but also science in general, social activism, and ideas. The opportunity to become part of such a society is invaluable and people who have it will be able to pass their knowledge tothefollowing generations.

Unlike everywhere else in the world, every university in the United States seems to have a unique policy, strategy, and priorities and this is why it so important to make a thorough research before you make your choices. For example, a liberal arts college may look for a programmer because the Computer Science club is in decline. It might seem apparent that I would look specifically for schools specialized in engineering. However, that is not quite the case. I do not exclude liberal art colleges as long as they offer a Computer Science program and seem to have passionate students. I never insisted on entering a society which already has everything develop to the world-class level. It would be my pleasure to use all my experience I employ so far and the new knowledge I would learn so I can develop the small Computer Science club which a liberal art college would offer. I am confident that I know how to organize ICT-related events and projects. As long as the college looks for people who employ my philosophy, it would be my pleasure to give my finest for the development of our area. What is more, engineers can take advantage if they study in a liberal arts college. They will meet people who are in areas such as literature, history, sociology; these people are inspiring for meand they can teach me something about the world. Every piece of knowledge is a new idea, a new perspective for me. Ultimately, I hope I would be able to use my technological skills to have a positive impact on the world. However, unless I have a broad perspective about the world, all my experience about software development is not practical.

For future candidates, I can give a few pieces of advice.

First, do what is important for you; do not do anything because you think it will appeal to admission officers or judges. The truth is that they want to see your passion and your will for innovations and freedom. Being yourself and showing your uniqueness is one of the most difficult challenges I have ever faced and I learned that from my experience. Value you effort and know that you will encounter all kind of people in your life so do not listen to everyone’s opinion.

Second, do not regret about anything. You will experience many failures. Even when you consider yourself secured and most powerful, you will always find someone who is a step ahead of you when it comes to say, competitions, standardized tests, or soft skills. It will come home to you that you missed many opportunities… opportunities which you are likely to never receive again. Alternatively, you might realize that you were inconsistent and you never overcame your fears to act on your dreams. Do not regret about it. Concentrate on your future and forget what happened yesterday but remember the lessons you learned.

Last but not least, believe in yourself. I still have not mastered that skill. Sometimes I am full of doubts and I am afraid to face my fears. Do not be afraid to fail. Even when your realistic analysis shows that you are not prepared for your test or competition, accept your failure when you cannot change it anymore – that is, when the results are available. However, to accept a failure does not mean to become comfortable with it – it means to learn from your mistakes. You might fail a few more times but every time it will not hurt as much, you will be less anxious when you do it again. That is progress in every sense of the word.

These pieces of advice probably sound like clichés but perhaps these are the most difficult lessons to learn for a teenager. Do not count the cost of anything, just act on it and be confident with your skills. Remember that even the greatest athletes of all times sometimes fail but they never surrender. Keep on trying and believe in yourself.

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OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

   Snezhina Kancheva

Senior, Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov Foreign Language High School, Veliko Turnovo

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?)

Before I stumbled on the advertisement of the OF grant, I was unsure where to continue my education. I had never considered the USA as an opportunity. Thanks to the scholarship I discovered that it is worth studying farther than Europe as the US universities are like a bee hive – gathering talented youngsters from all over the world.

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

In university I would like to study biochemistry and physics. I am aiming at a PhD in the former. I hope to receive a first-class education and lab training, as well as to develop myself as a better team worker.

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

The main benefit of the American education is that university/college employees, in fact, do their best to assure students their development and progress. Nowhere else will one be accepted based on an essay and personal characteristics in addition to the academic profile.

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

In the US I expect to accomplish everything I haven’t been able to do here such as learning a few more languages, working in a lab and meeting people. I am also looking forward to the available summer internship opportunities and working as a health worker in Asia or Africa.

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

In the US there are so many universities that even if one is seeking full financial aid, there is still a chance to get accepted at an amazing institution. The choice of a university, though, should be made based on personal criteria. For example, I, as an active volunteer, looked for institutions with a lot of volunteer opportunities both inside and outside the country.

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

Through the three preparatory modules funded by the scholarship I received the best possible training for the SAT, TOEFEL and the college application process. It is hard to find such competent lectors in every city, but Opportunity Funds brought us together and gave us equal chance of success.

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

My biggest advice is, most of all, to enjoy applying in the US. This is a very time-consuming process during which they will reveal a lot about themselves and will re-discover long-forgotten talents. However, this is an exciting journey everyone will enjoy undertaking.

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OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Teodora Lazarova

Senior, St. Paisii Hilendarski High School, Zlatitsa

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?)

Why I applied? Well I am from a small town called Zlatitsa and my family doesn’t have the opportunity to support me financially. But this was my dream and still is, to study in the United States, so when I found out about the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant I decided to apply. I did not want to be a burden for my family and the program was my only chance. I value every piece of knowledge I have gained from the program, about the American education, culture and society. Because of everything I have learned as part of the program, now I feel more ready than ever to walk the final steps to fulfilling my dream of studying in the United States.

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

I have always had that perfect picture of the life in the United States and you might say it is naïve, and you might be right. But I think that it is the perfect place for me. I see a place full of opportunities waiting for me and the universities there have my major, which Bulgarian universities do not. Apart from that the universities in the U.S. do not focus only on your academic education and achievements, but also on the extracurricular activities which form you as a person and through them you what makes you unique. Because they encourage their students to develop their other interests apart from their major, increased my interest and made me want to study in the United States. Another objective that played a huge role in my decision was that you can experience all kinds of different cultures apart from the American.

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

 As I said in the previous question, the educational system in the U.S.  is what made choose the United States over the other countries. Their liberal arts system really helps students experiment with their majors and expand their different interests. And they do not focus only on the academic part but also encourage students to be active outside the classroom.

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

My expectations of the US and the university life? I don’t think it will be easyon the contrary, I think that it will be tough. But not because I will be alone in a new country, but because I won’t have enough time to explore everything I want to. I will be busy with studying and the extracurricular activities I intend on visiting. I expect the first year to be very intense, because I will want to explore as many things as possible and I expect it to be full of wonderful experiences. I expect to meet a lot of new and exciting people with which to exchange ideas and knowledge, and of course friendly professors which will always be there to answer my questions.

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

Yes, I have researched US institutions to determine an appropriate placement. For me particularly was hard to find universities which offer my major and give 100% of financial aid. Apart from that for me was very important the university to have a diversified community, to encourage students to think out of the box and take every opportunity handed to them, and always working towards improvement.

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

The opportunity experience helped me a lot during my preparation for applying to American university. During the three Modules I acquired a lot of new skills and knowledge like how to write a successful essay, what to include in my research for university, never to give up and to keep working harder toward my goal and a lot more. Thanks to the Opportunity experience I was able to meet and get to know people with similar interest, with which I was able to focus on learning and get the most out of the Opportunity experience. This was because we were there to do the same thing and we had the same goal, so we were all working really hard on reaching that goal. The new skills and knowledge I acquired will help me to keep my focus and get through the challenges I will face in the future, and always to work hard toward my goals. 

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

I would tell you never to give up, even when the road seems rough. The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds grants will be there for you during your journey to the university. So don’t be afraid of the challenges, if your dream is to study in the United States but cannot afford it and you need help in your preparation the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds grants is for you. As a student from a small town, where very few people think of studying abroad, who knew almost nothing about the long process of applying in US universities, the program was of great help. So if you hesitate to apply for the program because of reasons like mine, don’t. It is a great opportunity and you won’t be alone, there will always be someone to guide you and answer all of your questions.

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OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Vladimir Markov

Senior, Dimcho Debelyanov 134th High School, 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?)

 I applied for this program, because as it is named it’s an opportunity. I thought it would be great to have so detailed preparation and help. I value that I was able to be introduced to both American education and culture, through researching for universities, making presentations and meeting native speakers. I’m really glad that I did it, because I received help for my preparation for applying in high school colleges.

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

I want to complete my bachelors in Biology and conduct a research. After that I want to go to medical school and continue studying for becoming a doctor.

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

I believe the US offers a lot more opportunities compared to other countries. At first there is a wide range of different universities, which gives more and more chances. The American educational system allows the flexibility to choose my own interests before deciding to specialize. This feature of the educational system is something that many other countries do not offer. This flexibility of the system also allows me to create my own schedule, including various courses. The American education can provide a brilliant scope for research and working together with notable laureates. I also believe the multicultural atmosphere would be an enriching experience.

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

I expect to tremendously improve myself as a person, because this university life will be an amazing cultural experience as I said. Moreover, I’m sure I’ll meet many new friends and notable people as well. In between my university studies I suppose I will learn more things about American and world culture.

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

The things I'm looking for in a university are connected with the subject I want to study- Biology. I look for the facility to have good labs, pre-medical courses, because I want to become a doctor. Moreover, I also consider the location and campus of a university. That's why one of my top choices is Johns Hopkins University, because it combines all of the things I look for.

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

Mostly it will and it already did in my testing, essay writing, application submission but I think it helped me develop as a person as well. I was in an atmosphere with students with the same goals as mine, and teachers, who taught me many new things.

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

I would encourage them to never give up on their dreams and whenever something feels hard: just embrace it and solve it.

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The text is published in its original and unedited version.