Daniel Glushkov
Host Institution: Indiana State University -Indiana-
Home Institution: American University Bulgaria
Period: Spring 2004
A Story Done By A Person For People
| First of all, I would like to extend my greetings to everybody involved somehow with the successful realization of my one semester abroad at Indiana State University. The usual phrases used "I had so much fun", "it was such an experience", and "I will never forget the people I met" did indeed confirm their meaning for me, speaking of which I forgot to present myself. Ok, this is me after the end of the program.
I was born in a country called Bulgaria that is situated to the north of Greece (this is usually how I explained it to people in the US) that was never part of the Soviet Union (as everybody thinks) but was under their influence for about 45 years after the Second World War. The language we speak in Bulgaria is not Russian (another thing all the people asked me) but called Bulgarian and dates back to seventh century when my country was established. Bulgaria is "going back home, to Europe", as we jokingly say, in 2007 when we are expected to join the European Union. |
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So let the story begin. One cold day as I was preparing myself for the upcoming series of papers and midterms, in February 2002, I saw this add from the Student Services for the possibility of studying abroad and I joined. In no time, I found myself at the airport in Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) with my mom (on the left) and my aunt (on the right) leaving for the unknown to me Terre Haute, in the more unknown state of Indiana, in the Midwest of the United States of America. |
| Guess what I found there? Amazing friends? Not only, I would say. People from different nationalities? Indeed… Let me show you my friend Bibiche from the Netherlands (the good Old Europe as qualified by a member of President Bush’s administration) so that you can judge whether I did indeed meet interesting people.
They have this wonderful saying in Bulgaria: “When facts [I would like to add "pictures," as well] talk, we should keep silent.” Therefore, I would keep my comments for myself if you would excuse me? |
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I must say that there was something about this place, Indiana State University. It was definitely an interesting combination between party time, studying and extracurricular activities. I cannot resist sharing with you the multinational party atmosphere of my dorm room when we were celebrating.
Let me explain a little who is who on the picture – (right to left): Bilal (born in Morocco), hugged by Ignacio (shortly called Nacho, from Argentina) who is sitting right next to Ilona, our beautiful American Resident Assistant, with Hungarian-Colombian background, who happened to have a birthday. To the left are Rehan from Pakistan and Raad (we shortly called him Raul like the soccer player of Spain) from Oman. Well, the crazy face with the glass is me as you could probably recognize me by now? |
| Enough for the party time. Let us get serious. During my stay at Indiana State University I fulfilled one of my dreams – to be elected senator with the Student Government Association (SGA) in order to be able to serve my colleagues. As a potential leader, I decided that I need some extra training. As a result, I joined the Leaders Emerging And Developing Program (LEAD). Here is the end result after I went to all the lectures, did certain hours of voluntary service and became a member of an organization on campus (the SGA). |  |
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If anyone thinks that exchange program is all about studying he or she is probably right, however I would like to add (jokingly) it is also about being able to pay a visit to your future employers (or at least the ones that you hope to employ you). Have a look at where I am standing (New York Stock Exchange).
I hope this dream of mine will come true some happy day, but hey, even if it does not happen nobody can take away from me the friends that I made in the US. I am sure I will never forget them and I truly believe they will not forget me either. |
| The heroes of our story are sad on this picture, because it is time to say goodbye – a few days before we were all leaving for home in the cafeteria. |  |
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As I am writing this story, I more and more have the following phrase on mind: "This is a story done by a person for people, no matter what nationality they are, no matter what is their religion". I admire the United States of America for being able to provide the environment for so many people to meet, get together, work, be happy and enjoy themselves, together with mastering their academic skills. This is Nacho with his roommate who is from Central Africa. |
| The last part of my photo essay, I would like to dedicate to my friends Pedro (from Mexico on the right with glasses) and Evgeni (from Russia in the middle). “Guys, know that you will be among my best friends forever. Thank you for everything and hey, let’s travel, visit each other, have fun and the world will be ours!” This picture was taken in the mall in Terre Haute from one of those cabins for instant photos that can accommodate about two people. Excuse my expression please, and please don’t get me wrong this is not like I typically pose for pictures. |  |
| Well, our little journey in the Midwest is almost over. One last point I would like to make. If you ever go to Terre Haute and particularly at Indiana State University please stop by and meet Janis Halpern – the most helpful and shining coordinator for ISEP I have ever met (AUBG coordinator Lydia Crise do not get offended, you did an amazing job too). I miss you all. | |
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Indiana State University |
All Year 2004-2005 |
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Indiana State University |
All Year 2004-2005 |
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Indiana State University |
All Year 2004-2005 |
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Indiana State University |
All Year 2005-2006 |
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University of Southern Indiana |
Spring 2006 |
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Butler University |
Fall 2008 |
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