Briefly describe your experience at AAS. How many years did you spend at the school? What was the most important lesson AAS taught you?
I joined AAS in Gr.9 on a full scholarship, which was a big motivation for me – it encouraged me to believe that I have the abilities to be successful.
In the beginning, my experience was a bit rocky as I had to adjust to new people and a new environment.
Overall, I believe the best thing about AAS is meeting people from all around the world. While it’s a cliché about international schools, it’s the best one in my opinion.
Although the term “diversity” is used a lot nowadays, attending AAS was genuinely a diverse experience due to the wide range of people there. It was amazing how differently students would see things, but the one thing we all had in common was going to the same school. Being part of that was really special to me because, in a typical all-Bulgarian school, people often have very conservative views. I had to broaden my perspective at some point, and while I never discriminated against anyone, going to a place where everyone was different was even more enriching for me.
Thinking about my friends from school now, it’s incredible to know I have friends all over the world. I picture it as a big map with little dots everywhere.
Can you share what your last year in school was like, especially your experience with the IB program?
I graduated from AAS in 2022. When I started the IB program, I was really interested in architecture, so I chose HL Math, HL Physics, and HL Art. I was doing research on universities and wanted to make sure my subjects fit the criteria for architecture. But I ended up overestimating my abilities in Math and Physics. I had to drop HL Math and stick with HL Physics, which was still a big challenge. In order to better match my skills, I needed to switch around my subjects. It was quite a journey!
It became a bit of an obstacle when I decided I wanted to study business instead because I hadn’t chosen subjects that fit that criteria. But the IB program taught me a lot. Now, at university, I feel like I’m ahead of the rest of the students because the IB was so challenging. It taught me how to write good essays, structure them well, and convey a point effectively.
Looking back, I’m glad I took the IB, even though it was really hard. I remember our graduation ceremony, taking off our hats and throwing them in the air. It was such a great feeling to be done and share that special moment with my classmates.
Describe your journey to university. How did you decide on your current path of study?
With the help of Mr. Stephenson, most of my classmates applied for UK schools and got accepted. Up until the end, I thought I was going to study architecture. I applied to different schools and got accepted into Brighton University and one other university in Canterbury. When those acceptance letters came in, I couldn’t help but wonder: Is the UK really where I want to be? Do I see myself living and studying there?
As I sat there, weighing the offers, making a decision was extremely tough. Discussing it with my family wasn’t any easier. After all, I’d been preparing for this moment for two years. When it all came to saying yes or no, I opted for a gap year because I just wasn’t sure if it was the right move. Luckily, I wasn’t alone. A few classmates were in the same boat. It was a pivotal moment after graduation when I had to own my choices. Even though it wasn’t the usual route according to Bulgarian tradition, my parents had my back anyway.
Could you tell us more about your gap year experience? What did you end up doing during that time?
During my gap year, I decided to work because I felt it was essential to start earning money and learn the responsibility of supporting myself. I worked for a company, providing support for games like League of Legends and Valorant.
Аlso, with a friend of mine, we tried to start a drop shipping business. Although it was not a success, it was very much of a learning experience for both of us.
Of course, I was also researching universities and I was trying to figure out what my real passions are and how those passions can be turned into a degree or a job.
As a person who has experienced various life changes, what, in your opinion, is the importance of taking risks?
Taking risks makes you grow as a person, as an individual who wants to be successful.
Without taking a risk, you’re not going to ever know what’s in front of you or what’s coming for you. My AAS experience, for example, was a huge opportunity for me but also a risk because it challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. In eighth grade I had just been accepted to a local high school after the national exams. Just one year later, however, I moved to AAS. I needed to make new friends, meet new people, and find new paths.
Another risk I took was moving to the U.S. I was really afraid of going to a different continent where I don’t know anyone. I feel very connected to my family and I couldn’t imagine being separated from them. Speaking from experience, I can say that taking a risk is always the best decision. Not taking the risk is risking wasting your own abilities.
I was so lost during my gap year. My confidence dropped. I didn’t know what was going on. The fear of missing out that I experienced seeing everyone else being in university and making new friends was the worst feeling ever. It made me feel worthless. Moving all the way to the U.S. and taking that risk was what helped me regain my confidence.
What advice would you like to give to all young graduating students?
I was very lucky to have really supportive parents. That’s why I would advice you to listen to your parents, because usually they turn out to be right because they did experience a lot of things. In addition to listening to your parents, my second advice would be not to doubt your skills and abilities. Remember that you can do it, no matter what. Doubting yourself just puts you in a maze of thoughts. Don’t blame yourself, don’t ask too many questions. Just go for it! Just do it!