The Introvert in Disguise|Avram Todorov
It’s a sunny Monday morning in the center of Blagoevgrad. Even though the surroundings are carefully decorated for the upcoming Christmas holidays, students in front of Main Building of AUBG are focused on final assignments and exams. Avram Todorov, a 22-year-old senior, stands out from the crowd with a big smile that shows he survived more than one finals week.
Avram is graduating in Business Administration and Information Systems as part of class 2020. When asked if his choice of university would be different after spending four years at AUBG, he laughs and asks if the answer should be honest. “I chose AUBG, because I decided to stay in Bulgaria. Now, at this point, if I had to make this decision again, I would choose studying abroad just for the experience,” Avram says.
However, his overall evaluation praises AUBG. Avram shares that the community and the people he met are of high value to him. Some professors influenced his way of thinking and cleared his vision of what he wants to pursue in life. “I would say AUBG was worth it.” The most difficult part of his AUBG journey was getting used to the liberal arts system and planning ahead of time. “The thing is you come here as a 18-year-old, having no idea what you want to do and you are introduced to a whole new system that you need to learn on the go,” shares Avram.
On the other hand, adjusting to a new environment made Avram alter his negative sides. “I am introverted. I don’t think that’s a plus in today’s world. I am not so certain about my skills and the things I could achieve. Those are the things I am trying to improve,” says Avram.
As a proof for his improvement stands his friend’s opinion about him. “I met Avram when I was in eleventh grade and I was visiting AUBG. He was hosting an event for MEU Blagoevgrad and we bonded over some drinks. He seemed very open-minded. We’ve been close friends ever since I came to AUBG,” shares Ivan Ivanov, an AUBG sophomore. Ivan describes Avram as ambitious, inquisitive and funny. The one thing he does not like in Avram’s personality is his tendency to disappear which can be easily explained with every introvert’s desire to recharge.
Avram has been a part of MEU Blagoevgrad since his first year even though it was not his first choice of university club. “I applied only for StartUp but they didn’t accept me. It was already too late for any other club. MEU had their deadline extended so I would say it was call of faith in some sense,” admits Avram. He explains joining MEU as one of his best decisions since this club introduced him to a variety of people he would not have met otherwise.
This is the reason why Avram’s advice to every freshman is to be brave and proactive. He supports trying out new areas of development but also warns first-year students to think ahead of time. “Try to plan accordingly and keep track of your subjects. Follow a plan because otherwise it is going to be senior year and you are going to be stuck,” laughs Avram. His description of his last year at AUBG revolves around three words: overwhelming and stressful, but also wise.
After successfully finishing his AUBG plan, Avram wants to continue his education and potentially open up a business. “I have a very Bulgarian plan,” he laughs. “After graduating I will do a masters degree in some mediocre Bulgarian university so that I can go to a few more Work and Travel programs.. just to have some capital if I decide to launch a startup.”
His initial future plans are based in Bulgaria but he admits he would live abroad if needed. “I am open to explore the rest of Europe. I don’t see how as a young person I need to be a victim of past regimes and political issues. I would aim to get the knowledge and experience and then return to Bulgaria and share it with people, boost the economy, ” says Avram.
In Avram’s eyes the word that best describes him is the Bulgarian word “opraven”. He always finds a way to get things done, no matter what goes his way. “It’s a really important skill in today’s world because factual knowledge, you can Google anything. A lot of things we have applications for but problem-solving and critical thinking is something that can only come from us.”
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Antoana Tsoneva is studying Journalism and Mass Communication at the American University of Bulgaria. She enjoys interviewing and learning about different people and their own worlds.
