Alumni Scholarship Recipients 2009/2010
We are proud of our Alumni Scholarship Recipient, Joyce Matara (Kenya, LEGS '10), who is currently ranking second in performance in her class! Kudos, Joyce!
Meet the 2009/10 beneficiaries of the Alumni Campaign Scholarship program!*
Video directed by Maryna Yaroshchuk, CEU Alumna IRES '08
Produced by Nikolay Domashev, Alumni Scholarship Recipient 2008/9, 2009/10
November 5, 2009
In this video: Paola Pierina Lazarte Castillo (Peru, DPP '10); Nadiya Parfan (Ukraine, SOCI '10); Joyce Matara (Kenya, LEGS '10); Nikolay Domashev (Russia, SOCI '10); Mohammad Abdi (Iran, GENS '10).
* Watch more on YouTube!
Paola Pierina Lazarte Castillo (Peru, DPP '10)
Personally, I always thought of graduate education not only as an opportunity to improve my job prospects, but also as a fulfillment of my dream to be an educated, independent and tolerant individual. I have always wanted to study in Europe. My background in development research in India, Cambodia, and my home country, Peru, makes CEU's Public Policy program the logical choice for me.
My first weeks at CEU have been amazing and I am thrilled to be a part of this community! Of course, none of this would have been possible without the financial support of the Alumni Scholarship Fund, and I am profoundly grateful to CEU alumni for this opportunity. Thank you for believing in me, and for the warm welcome to this great community!
Nadiya Parfan(Ukraine, SOCI '10)
This summer I graduated from the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (Ukraine) with a Master's degree in Cultural Studies. In the past three years, I have worked in arts management and journalism, and it has been great to be able to combine my university life with professional experience.
I was attracted to CEU's MA in Sociology and Social Anthropology by the department's unique, intellectually diverse and highly qualified staff and faculty. The Alumni Scholarship was the conclusive factor in my decision to go to Budapest, because without it I would not have been able to afford my studies.
My first and strongest impression of CEU is its international spirit. Early morning on September 11 in the dormitory kitchen, I was having some tea when another student came in and said, "It's the New Year in my country today!" I had never before celebrated the New Year in autumn!
Joyce Matara (Kenya, LEGS '10)
I am a lawyer by profession. Since 2006, I have been working at the Complaints and Investigations department of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Working at the Commission has been interesting, at times risky and full of uncertainties, notably during the investigations of the 2007 post-election violence.
I remember that during orientation at CEU, the professors told us that the bright smiley faces around us would soon be replaced by tired, sleepy ones. We thought they were exaggerating, but the first few weeks were cluttered with assignments and readings. We are getting used to it, though, and writing this now, I have one exam behind me and another one coming up later in the week!
Nikolay Domashev (Russia, SOCI '10)
At the start of another academic year at CEU, I remember why I decided to apply to this university in the first place. In 2008, while completing my B.A. degree at Westminster College (USA), I was searching for a graduate institution that could be both a sanctuary of intellectual freedom and a catalyst for social change. I was active in numerous student-run clubs including the International Club, UWC, and the Amnesty International Club. I also harbor tremendous appreciation for community service.
I came to CEU because it perfectly combines the American commitment to service and the European tradition of scholarship. CEU is conveniently located in Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities I've visited, in the heart of Europe, which is a region famous for its friendly people and rich history.
Asja Kratovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina, IRES '10)
Thanks to AIESEC and some other international summer programs, I have travelled and met many different people. When I discovered that the CEU community represents 96 different countries, I knew that it was the place for me. Last year at this time, I was working a full-time job that I loved and had a great salary, but something was missing. I hadn't done all the things I had planned to do. I have always wanted to study abroad and experience international education.
People say that the first day reflects the entire year ahead. I was lucky to break my knee two hours BEFORE New Year's Eve, rather than on the first day, and soon after, I got accepted to CEU! This would never have been possible without the financial support from CEU and its alumni. Thank you and I will do my best!
Ketevan Bejanishvili(Georgia, BUSI '10)
I would like to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to alumni for making my attendance of the CEU Business School possible.
I am a graduate of CEU's International Relations and European Studies department, 2004-2005. I have spent over 8 years working for various non-governmental organizations. I think that my academic background in social sciences and professional experience in the non-profit/development sector, coupled with my knowledge and skills in business administration, is an ideal synergy for a modern, strong and truly trans-national leader that can contribute to the economic and socio-political development of my native country, Georgia. I believe that business is not exclusive or confined within its own material interests but is a rather inclusive discipline which largely affects other areas of development.
I feel blessed to be part of the open, culturally diverse community of CEU. Many thanks to ERIA*!
*The Executive Roundtable International Association (ERIA) was founded in 1992 by the alumni of CEU Business School (formerly International Management Center).
Norbert Végh(Hungary, BUSI '10)
The dimensions and the speed of change - both in the business and the socio-political environment - have exploded in the past few decades all over the world. I have been fortunate to witness this process and meet many of the ensuing challenges head-on. Through the years and across continents, I have transformed from a science and liberal arts student into an IT professional, now with 10 years of work experience in the ever-changing grind of the Central European IT world.
I decided to pursue an MBA to expand these new horizons in a world beyond IT, perhaps one that is more intellectually challenging. The CEU Business School with its unique, diversified international atmosphere has proven to be the perfect match to my expectations. The ERIA scholarship - with a focus on raising environmental awareness and promoting the concept of sustainable development - further increases the already high value of the CEU Business School experience by supporting students taking on the journey to become trans-national leaders with an eco- and socio-conscious mindset.
Mohammad Abdi (Iran, GENS '10)
Three days before arriving in Hungary, I had left my beloved country, Iran, whose people are still bravely struggling for democracy. In the past five years, I have proudly worked among Iranian activists, pursuing equal rights for men, women and minorities, sometimes risking our freedom and lives for the cause.
I have a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, which is not directly related to the social sciences. People often ask why I chose an MA outside of my specialization, and I always respond: "Why not?!" Regarding the situation in Iran, one must recognize the importance of the social sciences in building a more robust civil society with a government that does not discriminate.
As my career objective is to work at an international organization for women's/human rights, the global reputation and international atmosphere of CEU is invaluable. I am grateful for the Alumni Scholarship and the opportunity to further my professional experience and meet with CEU alumni.
Read testimonials from past Alumni Scholarship Recipients: 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07
