OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Nadezhda Dimitrova

Albert Einstein 128 Secondary School, Sofia

Anglo-American School of Sofia, Sofia

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA, USA

AY 2017-2021

MIT Application Essays

At MIT, we use a holistic admissions process which entails understanding as much about you as we possibly can, and the context in which you have been shaped, both as a person and as a student. Because simply checking a box cannot fully describe a person, we are providing this opportunity for you to tell us something about what your cultural background and identity mean to you. If you need more space than this text box allows, please type “See response in Optional election" in this space and then type your response to this question in the optional text box in Part Two, Section Nine.

I grew up in Pavlikeni, feeding chickens, picking berries, and collecting falling apples in my grandmother’s garden, observing how the environment can provide subsistence and happiness. However, my mother and I moved to the capital city, so I could have the education to follow in Newton’s footsteps. In moving, I experienced the differences in lifestyles, learning how technology can affect life and the environment. I want to emulate my two big brothers, who both studied abroad, and succeed not only in following their footsteps, but also to go even further and achieve something greater.

We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do for the pleasure of it. (*)(100 words or fewer)

I have dyed my hair blue because unlike Picasso’s doleful monochromatic blue movement, I want to infuse the world with vibrant colors. I paint for a few hours every week – I spread a large canvas on the floor in my room and catch up with TV series. Just like television, I paint to transmit a message while also relaxing. I value Gerard Richter’s pastose strokes for the emotions they evoke but I prefer the smooth but clear paintings of Sirani (Classicism) or Degas (Impressionism). This form of expression is logical, just like engineering, and gives me a creative outlet. 

Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (*) (100 words or fewer)

I have found my strengths in mathematics, sciences, and the communication of ideas, so I pursue a career as an Aerospace Engineer at MIT’s department of AeroAstro. I want to be an engineer to implement inspirations from nature and make life better, to create ever more fuel-efficient and reliable mechanisms, such as the morphing-wing vehicles. At MIT, I can be in the cradle of ideas, go to the frontier of human knowledge, and enjoy collaborative relationships. I know some of this from an MIT graduate and a friend of mine, Momchil Molnar, and want to earn the Brass Rat.

At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world's biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. (*) (200-250 words)

A warm cup of tea when sick; walking between classes to the bathroom to keep company; visiting each other’s houses to work quietly on assignments. Having a good friend is invaluable and I show my friends how much I appreciate them. But during a cheerful dinner with my class, I faced one of the world's biggest problems - most of the food was left uneaten.

To appreciate how fortunate we are, I invited them to participate in a “Fun Run” marathon to raise awareness about the Syrian refugee crisis. It included singing, running, and free snacks, and we requested from one of the organizers to help with the preparation of a similar activity at our school. Three friends and I undertook the challenge to organize an event for our elementary students. The activity took over three months to plan and involved about 200 children (refugees, school children, teachers, and volunteers).

We had to overcome several hurdles, such as dealing with the administration regarding security, gathering funds, and choosing an appropriate program to both teach and inspire hope. We also dealt with unexpected rain just minutes before the event, for which we had a plan but needed to act quick and spread the schedule change to everyone. In the end, we taught the youngsters various facts about the issue that we hope will stay with them as they grow up to be compassionate. This is not only a service to the community, but also another aspect of being an empathetic friend.

Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?(*) (200-250 words)

I am a scholarship student at the Anglo-American School of Sofia and my 24-people class is an amalgam of 11 different nationalities. Being a Bulgarian in such an international community has coached me to be an ambassador of our culture. Along with speaking in formal all-school assemblies about our traditional holidays, I teach peers to punch the correct public transportation ticket or explain memes about Bulgarian culture. This has taught me to cherish my own culture and embrace it, because it makes me unique.

Attending two schools at the same time has given me two very distinct groups of friends - my wealthier international friends, and my Bulgarian friends that I accumulated by going to competitions, camps, and social events. On my birthday party, these two completely different groups collided, but just like real galaxies colliding, where the probability of individual stars smashing is faint, the two groups morphed as each one exerted its pull, not gravitational but cultural, and affected the perceptions of the other.

Living in such a diverse community, I have grown to be a very empathic person who seeks to help those in need, an understanding friend who listens and evaluates before judging anyone, and a good partner in collaborative projects. I want to facilitate and inspire people to find common goals, overcome their differences, and work together to better our future. I have been lucky to be around enthusiastic and smart people who want to achieve something in life or make a difference.

Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?(*) (200-250 words)

When I asked my friends about their biggest challenges, most of them mentioned things that come easy to me: living only with a mother, striving to be a woman-scientist, combining school with going out. But something very hard for me is public speaking. When I moved to an international school in grade 8, I was very often given assignments to present in front of the whole class. Having studied in a Bulgarian system before, practical applications and rhetoric abilities were not a part of my education. Thus, I was very intimidated and having all glaring eyes directed at me panicked me.

I won’t forget my first major speaking assignment, a persuasive 10-minute speech. It was an interesting topic for me, but otherwise boring: to increase spending for NASA. I trembled with fear for a week! My brother helped with giving me stage directions, such as taking a step back while uttering this phrase.

Since then I’ve had many opportunities to practice to overcome my anxiety of being in the spotlight. I have helped Nikola Karavasilev while leading his after-school lectures and in the observatory in Sofia during Open Doors Night. Having to explain what I understand about astronomy, I realized that public speaking should be more than dull monologues. Now I also participate in MUN. This December, I have to present a speech in Berlin as the head delegate for Norway at BERMUN in front of 1000 delegates. I will still feel nervous, but I won’t show it.

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OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Vladimir Markov

Dimcho Debelyanov 134th High School, Sofia

Dickinson College, PA, USA

AY 2017-2021

College Application Essay

“You’re a doctor ?”

It was a dim afternoon; the rain poured onto the streets, making impassable puddles, as I rushed to return home from school. Out of the blue, a vague, slender figure crossed my path.

He was an elderly man. He was neatly dressed, as though headed for a gala,yet something peculiar about him caught my eye - he was wearing flip-flops. He approached me and asked,

“Young man, how do I get to the Military unit? I’ve been called in for duty.”

“That facility has been closed for years,” I replied with frustration.

“I need to get there; I have to serve my country,” he tearfully added, “What will I do?”

That was the moment I realized that his duty to serve was only in his mind. I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t leave the old man to wander around in the rain.

Standing there dumbstruck, I came to a decision. I had to act fast and help the bewildered soldier. Sadly, the man lived far away from where we were. I asked him if he could give me contact information for any relative of his. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a crumpled, aged wallet. It was empty, but for a single piece of paper, on which My son was written with nearly faded ink, along with a telephone number. Relief washed over me when I saw it. “That’s it!” I told myself, “That’s the solution.”

Dialing the phone number with shaking hands, I reached his son. Luckily, he picked up. I explained the situation to him. Worried, he immediately asked where I was. After telling him my address and giving him directions, I reassured him that the old man would be safe and sound. We hid from the rain at the entrance to my house, as he didn’t want to go inside.

“What do you do, young man?” he asked, shivering.

“I’m still a student,” I answered.

“You’re a doctor?” he exclaimed with astonishment, having misheard me.

A rush of excitement came over me. I have dreams of becoming one, but I had never been called a doctor. I explained to him, a little louder, that I’m an ordinary student.

“Oh, no, my boy, you’re not. If you were, you wouldn’t have been here, helping me.”

Those words warmed my heart.

Minutes passed and the man’s son arrived. At first, it was hard to read his facial expression. Joy was intertwined with sadness. “He has lost his sanity,” he explained, getting his father inside the car.

“Thank God he came across you. What can I do in return?”

“Nothing. Take care of him” said I.

He was insistent, though: “I cannot offer you nothing.” He rushed to the nearest store and bought some candy.  I took it. He thanked me again, and so did the old man. “We will never forget what you did for our family.” And they disappeared into the mist.

At first, it didn't seem as though anything significant had happened. But then I started to understand that, in fact, this small act on my part was maybe everything for that man and his family. I had felt satisfaction before in my life, but the one feeling I got that day was a rare one. I was happy to know that I had helped someone who desperately needed it. I kept asking myself, “Could there have been anybody else to help the poor man, or I was destined to do it?” Maybe indeed I was, and I am happy that I did.

This event was an affirmation of my dream of being a doctor. Seldom before had I felt more contented. I learned that the world can be a cruel place for some people, but that you can make it a happier place for them with just a small difference.

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The text is published in its original and unedited version.

OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Rukiye Ayshe Egeli

Senior, Nancho Popovich High School of Mathematics and Science, Shumen

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?)

Prior to seeing the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant brochure in my school’s library, I had never considered the United States as an option for higher education for obvious reasons. The average cost of tuition is far too high for the majority of U.S. and non-U.S. citizens alike. Attending an American college or university is off limits to that majority.

Even though I did not hold out any hope of being selected, I applied for the grant, since I wanted to explore further the possibility of applying to a U.S. college and knew that this was the perfect opportunity to do so. My participation in the three modules of the program this year taught me a lot about the American culture, education and society. Gaining a valuable insight into the lives of my American peers led me to discover more about myself as well.

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

My dream is to study Chemical and Biochemical Engineering in a college or university which offers a wide range of areas for original undergraduate research. This is a rapidly developing field with a unique potential for future discoveries. Studying in the United States will not only allow me to benefit from all the educational opportunities provided by the institution, but it will also mean that I will be living and working with hundreds of other American and international students with whom I can share ideas and experiences and build friendships.

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

The amazing quality of education in the tertiary U.S. institutions is universally acknowledged. As I have previously mentioned, I am planning to major in Chemical Engineering which is a highly demanding degree. I believe that American professors are one of the best in that field.

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

I have not yet dared to form any specific expectations, since there are a few months left until the end of the application process but I imagine university life as bursting with new experiences combined with a rigorous workload.

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

My research on a large number of U.S. colleges and universities helped me outline a list of institutions where I would like to apply. Having in mind the fact that there are not a lot of universities worldwide that offer my dream major, I was surprised to see that a relatively large number of U.S. institutions include Chemical and Biochemical Engineering in their academics list. I decided to apply to those which impressed me with the research opportunities they provide.

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

The Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant allowed me to prepare more extensively for applying to the United States. The program modules were structured with regard to the participants’ needs. My participation in the program has greatly enriched me in terms of academic knowledge and new friends. I feel humbled to have met such inspiring people as my fellow participants, Ms. Bozoukova, Ms. Sophia Kleinsasser, Mr. Ivan Dinkov, Mr. Vladimir Phillipov and Ms. Snezhana Teneva who have assisted me throughout the program.

I believe that the Opportunity experience will be of great importance in my path towards academic excellence.

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

 I would advise them to start their preparation early. And as Benjamin Franklin said: “Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.”

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The text is published in its original and unedited version.

OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds program assists highly qualified yet economically challenged high school students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities. Opportunity Funds provides financial resources to cover the up-front costs of applying to US universities, such as testing, application fees, or airfare. In addition to their impressive academic achievements, Opportunity students also bring cultural and socio-economic diversity to U.S. campuses.

Bulgaria is one of the few European countries involved in the Opportunity Funds program, joining Belarus, Bosnia, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine. This US State Department-funded program is also available in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Bulgaria, being the poorest member of the European Union, has many highly talented students who are deterred from applying to US universities due to cost. To encourage these bright youngsters to consider the US as their educational destination, the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission’s EducationUSA Advisor, Snezhana Teneva, in close cooperation with Regional Educational Advising Coordinator Cheryl Francisconi, has launched an Opportunity Fund program in Bulgaria beginning in February 2016. From numerous applicants, twelve eleventh-graders from all across the country were selected to take part in the first phase of the program, which covers the cost of test preparation, testing fees, and translation of application documents, and also provides support for creating CVs and writing admissions essays, and guidance in selecting universities to which to apply. If successfully admitted to US universities with full financial aid, these students will go on to the next phase of Opportunity Funds during the 2017-2018 school year, which covers visa fees as well as travel and relocation to the US.

The first module on Redesigned SAT prep took place at the National Training and Logistics Center of the Bulgarian Red Cross in the village of Lozen near Sofia  on April 3-9. It gathered eleven Opportunity Funds students and three lecturers. Official guests to the first Opportunity Funds training were Angela Rodel, Executive Director, Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission and Tammy Paltchikov, Cultural Attaché, U.S. Embassy.

The three courses included in the event’s curriculum – Redesigned SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Redesigned SAT Math and Researching Universities were led by Asst. Prof. Boyka Bozoukova, University of National and World Economy, Ivan Dinkov, math teacher, American College of Sofia, and Snezhana Teneva. The lectures and training addressed various exam tasks, strategies and challenges and explored ways to further strengthen students’ preparation for applying to accredited colleges and universities in the U.S.

The second module of the Opportunity Funds Program, Bulgaria, took place again at the National Training and Logistics Center of the Bulgarian Red Cross in the village of Lozen near Sofia on July 3-9. It focused on preparing the ten participating Opportunity Funds students for the TOEFL iBT test and introducing them to the U.S. undergraduate application process and documents. The three training courses were delivered by experts in their field. Asst. Prof. Vladimir Phillipov, Department of English and American Studies, Sofia University, taught iBT TOEFL – Reading and Writing. Sophia Kleinsasser, Fulbright ETA alumna and ESL teacher at the American College of Sofia, presented the listening and speaking sections of the TOEFL iBT test and the EducationUSA Adviser Snezhana Teneva led The Application Process and Pieces course.

The third one-week module of the Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria program covered important topics in college application essay writing and filling out application documents. Fulbright ETA alumnus Sophia Kleinsasser discussed with the eleven Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria program participants essay topic choice, style of writing and all stages of essay writing while EducationUSA adviser Snezhana Teneva provided students with expanded guidance on preparing their college application documents.

We strongly believe that the Opportunity Funds students will make the best use of the knowledge and know-how acquired during this unique opportunity and wish them all a very successful and rewarding application process.

OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Aleksandra Kisova

Senior, National Trade School, Plovdiv

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 because from the moment I understood about the program I knew that it is an amazing opportunity for me. As I was aware of the importance of the standardized tests, I knew that the preparation for them, offered from the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant will be extremely beneficial for my great performance. The chance to learn about American education, culture and society as part of the program was really valuable for my perception of the country I dream studying in. It definitely helped me shape my vision of USA, and strengthened this early interest of mine.

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

My primary objectives in studying in the United States are getting a quality education, meeting new people, exploring the American culture, and living in an environment totally different from the one I live in. The quality education will be a huge step on the path for developing a successful career. For me, meeting new people will be very exciting, and will even help me expand my social skills. The American culture has always been spellbinding for me, and the chance to explore it will definitely delight me. Living in an environment totally different from the one I live in will challenge me and my adaptability, and provide me a lot of new experiences.

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

           

I prefer studying in the United States over in other countries because of the quality education the American universities provide. I am allured by the opportunity to be taught in my desired field of study by professionals, and gain real knowledge of the sphere of Business. Furthermore, I am interested in studying in the USA because of the diversity of people. Last but not least, I am an adventurous person, and I look forward to live in a new environment, and explore new culture.  

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

I expect that the US and university life will offer me a huge amount of opportunities. Since there will be a lot of different people, I will have the chance to see the world through different perspectives. The US life as a whole will enable me to gain experience through meeting new people and visiting new places, which will help me for my personal growth. The university life will provide different activities for me to join, which will help me recognize my interests.

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. I find most appropriate for me universities which are medium-sized, private liberal arts, coed, and located in a suburban or urban setting. I look forward to studying in a medium-sized university or college, because there will be a lot of people, but not too much, so I will be able to find friends and make connections. For me, it is important the university to be in a suburban or urban setting, because although I love nature, I feel better when I am in a big city which I can explore.

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

I can state that my Opportunity experience is crucial to the acaccomplishment of my academic goals. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge significantly helped me in the process of applying for admission to accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Moreover, since I am in the program I have gained knowledge of the American education, culture and society, which helped me when I made the final decision to study in the USA. 

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

I advise the future candidates applying for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds grants to believe in themselves, and their dreams. This program is a great opportunity for students who wish to study in the USA. It is one of the most prestigious U.S. government-funded exchange programs and is designed to support international students who need financial help to take their first steps toward studying in the United States. After all, your success depends on yourself, so you should do your best in order to achieve your academic goals.  

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The text is published in its original and unedited version.