Bulat Germanov – laureate of the National Russian language Olympiad
Bulat Germanov – an IB student in 12th grade, at PSHS American College Arcus Ltd., became this year's laureate of the National Russian language Olympiad. We would like to congratulate Bulat and his teacher – Mrs. Stefka Traycheva on their great success, as we have the honor to present you an interview with our laureate.
1. Bulat, congratulations on your success! Tell us how you prepared for the Russian language Olympiad and was it a challenge for you?
- My preparation started in 2016. Then, I took part in the Russian language Olympiad for the first time and managed to qualify for the National round and won fourth place. That motivated me for this year's Olympiad. I wanted a better performance. With my teacher’s help I did many sample exercises and got familiar with the Olympiad format. The most difficult part for me was the essay, as it requires both grammatical knowledge and rich vocabulary, as well as good writing abilities. Most participants were with Russian roots, which increased the level of difficulty and made the competition more challenging and interesting. I am glad that I did well and became a laureate of the Russian language Olympiad in Veliko Tarnovo District.
2. You have been studying in the IB program for two years. Why did you choose it and what are its advantages over the National program?
- The IB program is a test for the most ambitious and prepared students. The knowledge and the highly valued diploma made me choose it. Also, in my opinion, the IB program has quite different, new and interesting features compared to the National one. Besides the numerous internal and external exams, deadlines, essays and reports, the IB program also offers many extra-curricular activities, practical trips, seminars and trainings that are considered as additional and valuable experience. From the beginning, I was aware that my IBDP training would not be easy, but I decided to accept the challenge and prove that I was ready to cope with this difficulty.
3. You are going to graduate soon. What are your plans for your further education?
- Upon completion of my secondary education, I will have to make a difficult choice, as most graduates. At the moment I cannot decide between applying to universities abroad or in Bulgaria. On the one hand, education abroad is on a higher level, it gives more opportunities for realization and also the opportunity to taste the European way of life, but on the other hand, I am not sure whether I am ready to leave my life and friends in Bulgaria. As far as subjects are concerned, I cannot decide between „Computer sciences „and „International Business & Management“ and as universities – The University of Blagoevgrad and several in the Netherlands.
4. Can you tell us about some of your most treasured memories and lessons learnt at the American College Arcus?
- I spent five of my best years at the American College Arcus. I cannot think of one most precious memory or a lesson. I met many new people and I can call some of them “friends for life”. I also met many good teachers without whose help I would not succeed. Actually they were more than teachers, they were my mentors, who supported me and motivated me. These five years at the College gave me priceless academic and real life lessons; taught me to fight and to achieve my goals without giving up and how to be a disciplined person.
