Name: Ivelina (Iva) Velikova ’03
Double Major: Economics and Spanish
Hometown: Born in Veliko Tirnovo, Bulgaria
Activities: University Fellowship for a Spanish project, Spain year, Teaching Assistant for economics and Spanish, student ambassador for the Spain Program, International House, Investment Club, accompanist for music department, Music Special Productions ensemble, Big Brother/Big Sister Program, public relations chair of International Affairs Association, member of Student Solidarity Project providing assistance for war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina, Web assistant in library, Spanish and economics honorary societies.

“ The faculty, staff and students that I have met at St. Lawrence have made the slow process of growing up into a mature person one that is unique and very valuable to me. What really has made my experience worthwhile is the close student-professor relationships that I developed with my teachers. At no occasion was I ever refused help from a faculty member. Not only that, but I was also encouraged to think creatively and innovatively. One truly valuable and unforgettable experience is the Fellowship project I completed with Dr. Marina Llorente. Her guidance and enthusiasm have made me more confident and assertive. Our work together was at the same time a growing friendship. The list of faculty and staff that has helped me to freely voice my opinion, fight ignorance and promote diversity on campus is quite extensive.

The opportunities to study abroad that St. Lawrence offers are truly amazing. It is difficult to really get to know and understand a culture without having lived in it for an extensive period of time. I am already a “student abroad,” and I still found that going to Spain was one of the most profound and character– shaping experiences of my life.”