I Am Determined - Elena
My Major: Economics and International Affairs (EIA)
Why I chose my major…
As an immigrant, I have always been attracted to International Relations, because in a way, I live it every day. I believe that my experience coming from a developing country to the world's most developed country gives me an all-around perspective on the world, which is more and more relative in our increasingly global society. Later on in high school, when I became more familiar with economics, I realized how significant it is to international relations. To me, economics explains every single event in the world: it leads domestic and foreign policy of nations, as well as individual choices of everyday people. In fact, I consider it to be "the" most important factor of our global society, so choosing the combined EIA major was a no-brainer for me.
My favorite part about Georgia Tech in Atlanta…
What I love most about both Atlanta and Georgia Tech is the opportunity to meet so many diverse people. Although Atlanta as a whole might not be as diverse as some other cities, Midtown is such an interesting mix of cultures, religions, and sexual orientations. I have met and befriended people from as different places as Venezuela, Ethiopia, and Korea. I am also glad that there is a fair number of Eastern Europeans, so it gives me at least some sense of home.
My roots…
I am originally from Bulgaria but immigrated here with my family eight years ago. I lived through the hyperinflation of the 90's, when if you had $1000 suddenly it was the same as $1. My family was so excited when we finally won a green card. We had a very difficult time in the beginning, coming here with no English and just two suitcases of belongings between the four of us.
My parents were initially working as hotel housekeeping for $5.75 per hour, and my sister and I were hiding out in our apartment with the blinds closed because you were not allowed to leave children alone. But eventually, we landed on our feet, and I am very proud of how far my parents have gotten us. We are now a middle class family (which is the same as rich in my country), and I am the very first person in my whole extended family to go to college.
What is the international scene like at Tech?
Most international students come to Tech in order to learn, so from that perspective it is great! I think that international students will appreciate its challenge which may be hard to find at home for some people. While I think the social life at Tech is more "American," so to speak, there is a lot to do in Atlanta. There are many places like Apres Diem and Cafe Intermezzo that feel international.
In addition, Tech and Atlanta are very accepting places. I am so overwhelmed by how easily people accept each other here. It really doesn't matter where you come from, which is something that is different from the rest of the world, in which most countries are very nationalistic. For example, I work as an executive assistant and accounts receivable to a Turkish firm. This is something that would be unthinkable in my country where there is much ethnic tension between Bulgarians and Turks, but here, none of that matters. It is so refreshing!
How I invest for Georgia Tech students…
I am a member of the Investment Committee of the GT Student Foundation. The GT Student Foundation raises money and puts it right back on campus to fund valueable start-up organizations or established ones that are having a hard time financing an interesting initiative. We educate students about the world of investing, giving them valuable experience that will be useful later in life and work to maximize our sizable endowment by investing it in the market. Over the past five years, we have significantly beat the S&P500, which is the most common measure of how the market is doing.
What do I see myself doing in the future?
I would love to be an economist working with some sort of international organization like the European Union, but a job like that comes only after years or even decades of experience. So after graduation I plan to work in the research department of a major bank. Since coming to Tech, I have realized that I love doing research and forecasting, and I believe that you should do what you love because you'll be best at it.
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