Cyril Slavcev
Prague, Czech Republic
Baxter International Foundation Scholarship Program, 2010

I firmly believe that everybody should have the possibility of receiving a good education. Unfortunately, not all of us have the same possibilities, whether because of economic conditions or family background. That's why I highly appreciate the existence of generous organizations that provide access to a university for students who want to learn something new and extend their views and future prospects. Money should not hinder anyone from receiving the education they wish for, and this program proves that if there is a will, there is a way -- if we are prepared to follow our dreams at any rate, almost everything is possible.

Since the final two years of high school, I have known that I want to study abroad. Due to the gradual unification of Europe and the whole world, many new possibilities for people of my age appeared. Therefore it was quite easy for me to decide that I want to make use of them, in order to see and to learn as much as possible. Thanks to my good knowledge of the German language, I intended to begin my studies in Germany, in some of its best universities, such as Freiburg or Heidelberg. My very good graduation marks from high school opened my way to the West.

I also knew that the costs of living in Germany are much higher than in the Czech Republic, so I searched for various scholarship programs on the internet. Finally, my mother, who has been working for Baxter in Prague, told me about the offer from Baxter and Scholarship America. I filled out the application form, sent them my grades and two short essays about myself and my approach to our society. At last, was selected to receive $1000 per semester at my future university, depending on my continued grades.

Now, I cannot really say if the money I am going to receive will radically change my life. However, it will surely help me to cover some of my expenses during my upcoming university course, which will allow me to concentrate mostly on my studies. In addition, I am glad I could convince Baxter of my aspirations, and regard very highly the trust they placed in me. Because the scholarship I strengthened my self-confidence, I am quite sure that it will motivate me to believe in my abilities and not to give up on my dreams.

Return to International Stories | Return to 2010s Stories | Tell Us Your Story