Hi everyone! I am Shreyya. I was born in America and grew up in India, before returning to the USA for higher education. Currently, I am a medical Student at Medical University Plovdiv, Bulgaria. I have always been interested in Medicine and being involved in a field where I can provide help and service to those around me. To explore my interest in Medicine, I shadowed doctors in Europe, America, and India before deciding to pursue a career in medicine in Europe.
Why did you decide to study abroad?
I have been travelling abroad from a very young age. My dad had a travelling job which exposed me to different countries – their unique lifestyle, culture, and cuisine, etc. I fell in love with exploring different countries and cultures, and I appreciate the diversity around us. That is why I wanted to study abroad and make use of this platform to meet and build friendships with people from across the globe!
What has it given you?
I previously studied in countries where I was accustomed to the language and culture to varying degrees, but growth lies outside comfort zone.
Moving to Bulgaria has enabled me to learn a language I had never learnt before, every day I am exposed to new words and dialects that encourage me to do better and work harder – navigating my journey here has helped me gain more self-confidence and become more self-reliant. However, my most valuable experience lies in the beautiful friends I have found here who have grown to be more like family now:)
If you could give advice to a younger person who is about to study abroad, what would you tell them?
It is not as scary as our fear might make it seem! Past the initial few hurdles lies ahead a journey of self-exploration filled with happy, joyous, thrilling moments with friends. Although life is full of ups and downs, and there will be moments that are sad and hurtful, but as we grow and learn from them, we mature and hone into a better version of ourselves.
We get to observe the world from our lenses outside the influence of our family, and I find it beautiful and a privilege to experience the world. I would highly recommend anyone to grasp this opportunity when they get the chance! Believe in yourself!
What is mentoring to you?
Mentoring for me is providing a source of support and strength for our mentees. Building a safe space to share about their struggles, hardships, and experiences – good and bad. A path for them to seek guidance when they might feel lost and have a support system for them to also share the ups of their life to celebrate their achievements. It is providing them with the assistance and resources that will help them gain confidence and traverse forward in their journey with more knowledge, comfort, support and ease!