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The magic word for Dimitrina Bakalova is three. Three academic programs and three jobs. With her eye on her ultimate goal, which is to graduate from Caldwell College with an excellent GPA and a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a certificate in Criminal Forensics, Bakalova works to focus on what is most important to her in life. “What has made it easy for me is that I have been studying subjects that I am interested in.” She has worked hard to maintain her GPA, which is a 3.9. “In two weeks I got accepted into four honor societies.” Dimitrina says the faculty in both the Psychology and Criminal Justice departments have helped her achieve those milestones. “Caldwell College is an excellent place in regard to social sciences.”
A native of Varna, Bulgaria in Southeastern Europe, when she came to Caldwell as a freshman it was the first time she had ever been outside of her country. She loves the diversity of Caldwell College. “When I talk to friends from home, I tell them I have friends from India, Paraguay, Nepal, England and America. I have friends from all over the world.” Dimitrina said her experience as an international student at Caldwell has made her realize and appreciate things about her own country, her new place and people and cultures all over the world. She enjoys going to the International Student Organization events and the International Student Luncheon where students share dishes and foods from their homelands.
In between her studies, she juggles three jobs—one in the student accounts office, another at the front desk for security and another as a resident assistant. Although she admits it is tough work being a resident assistant, she says the job has helped her grow in her leadership skills. She has also been able to use the interaction and communication skills she learned in the classroom on the job. Caldwell College “definitely helped me grow up,” she said. “It enriched my life view. I learned self-discipline.”
She tries not to take much for granted. “Here your efforts get noticed.” In her native Bulgaria, “at work, it’s tough. There’s high unemployment and the economy there is still developing.”
Dimitrina plans to go graduate school. “I want that college degree and much more than that. I want to be of help to myself, others and anyone who might need me.”
MY FAVORITE THING TO DO AT CALDWELL COLLEGE IS:
Sit on the bench outside Building 6 contemplating the campus and the people around, thinking about "What's next?" and hoping for a happy and successful future.
THE MOST FUN I EVER HAD AT CALDWELL COLLEGE WAS:
At the International Stars night in April, 2008. I was so proud of my talented friends. |
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Majors: Psychology, Criminal Justice
Certificate: Criminal Forensics
Class of: 2009 |
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