Marina Tsutsumanova (’23): ‘AUBG showed me a canvas and gave me the colors to paint my future’

Why did you decide to come to AUBG?

The simplest answer would be the atmosphere. The first time I visited campus was during an Open House and after that for the MultiTalentQuest.  The atmosphere, the community, the spirit of AUBG seemed so radiant and fun that I found myself already researching how to apply.

What majors are you pursuing and why?

I am currently pursuing a double major in Business Аdministration and Economics. Even before deciding on AUBG, studying business and management has always been my goal, so when I researched and found that here they had the best program in Bulgaria, there was no hesitation left. As for Economics, it seemed а natural choice but at the same time generic. My opinion changed immediately after my first lecture with Professor Erdinc. She made me love Economics as much as I love Business.

What extracurricular activities (clubs, work at AUBG offices, Exchanges, etc.) are you involved with at AUBG?

I am currently a part of three clubs – Radio AURA (Sales department), AUBG Business club (Speakers department), and Sustainability club (Treasurer). I chose three different fields that I am passionate about and decided to be in three different departments so that I could get a diverse experience and befriend as many people as possible.

During my first three semesters, I worked as a student assistant in the Career Center and briefly on the front desk. This gave me the chance to learn more about the university, the opportunities they provide, and thus loving it even more by personally knowing the people behind the emails.

Since 11th grade in high school, I have been a part of the MultiTalentQuest – participant, ambassador, and finally facilitator. The program is what helped me fall in love with AUBG and led me to the place where I am now, for which I am eternally grateful from the bottom of my heart.

Currently, I am planning and applying to go to an Erasmus exchange. I love traveling and with the situation at hand, taking advantage of every chance is important to not remain in one place.

What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being an AUBG student?

The most challenging would be keeping up with my schedule(s). Having endless activities, meetings, appointments, having a written-out plan for the day is the only thing that keeps me sane. And still, from time to time, this proves to be a challenge, as no matter how superior your organizational skills are, having two meetings at 8 PM is impossible to manage.

Rewarding, I would say the feeling of being busy all the time. The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction after a long tiring day is utterly the best. However, we cannot forget about the community. The time I spend with friends in the ABF café, or a night out in the club, the feeling of belonging and always having somebody to turn to is irreplaceable.

What is your favorite memory from AUBG?

There are too many to pinpoint only one.  Every single moment holds a special place in my heart starting from the orientation week events – seminars, picnics, playing on the grass and partying to first club meetings, team buildings, movie nights with friends, trips, etc.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

As simple as it sounds, reading romance books, watching movies, and going out with friends. Recently, I discovered that I enjoy spending a little time in the kitchen but overall doing something simple just to balance the hectic daily schedule.

Where do you hope to see yourself after graduating from AUBG?

I don’t know. A bank, a financial consulting company, a marketing department in some international institution, graduate school, sustainability consultant. I have too many colors and a blank canvas in front of me. AUBG showed me the canvas and gave me the colors to paint my future in the style, shape, and shade I want.