Radosveta Miltcheva, the new residence hall director of Skaptopara 1
Photos by Venelina Miteva

Can you say a few words about yourself as an introduction?

I'm originally from Bulgaria, I'm a hundred percent Bulgarian and I've been traveling quite a bit in the past few years. When I was in second grade, my dad moved us, the whole family, to Mozambique, Africa, so I grew up there, and when I graduated from high-school, I went to the United States to study, and I've been there for the last 16 years. I got two degrees; worked in the middle [before pursuing a second degree] for six years as a social worker, then decided to go back to school to get my Master's in Student Affairs. Then I spent one year as a full-time residence hall director in West Chester University, Philadelphia. And then this opportunity [at AUBG] came about, and I decided to wrap up my travels and circle back to home.

You have an MA in Student Affairs Administration. What is it about and how did you decide to pursue it?

I was attracted to it when I started researching. What should I go back to school for? For an MA, and I knew that it should be something to do with the helping profession because that's what I've always done and that's what I've always been attracted to, something to do with counseling, something to do with advising, helping people, and I started to remember what I really enjoyed in college. Being a resident assistant, I really loved that.

What was your residence hall director like back then?

She was actually great, and she was my inspiration. She was very good at balancing between being friendly and being a good supervisor, so I wanted to be like her when I grew up.

Is your family here with you?

My mom and dad are still in Plovdiv, and I have a brother back in the States who is married so he will be there for a while.

What did you know about AUBG before coming here?

Around the time it opened, it was a very big deal, and I was very curious so I actually came just to look around.

How were your first 48 hours here?

They were great! The welcoming has been overwhelming, it's been absolutely fabulous. When I first arrived here ... most of the RA staff was at the reception desk and they welcomed me, then my supervisor [Residence Life and Housing Director Todor Kehayov] showed me around and introduced me to everyone, and everyone was very nice, and helpful, and just friendly, and excited that I'm here.

How do you find your RA team?

I find them to be very energetic and full of ideas. I'm excited. I think it's going to be a great year.

Do you plan any changes in Skaptopara 1?

I'm sure some changes will happen naturally. My plan for now is to see how things are going and then just take it from there. I'm hoping that I'll be able to contribute. I have a lot of stuff in my head.

How do you feel working in an environment of people mostly under the age of 25?

It is always, "Expect the unexpected." Something new happens every day. At this age students are learning to balance freedom with responsibility, what they like, who they are. It's both exciting and challenging.

Should students be afraid of you?

I wouldn't say afraid. I plan to follow the university's policies, and I plan to follow my first supervisor's steps and have a nice balance between friendly, and welcoming, and helpful, and strict.

What about your other interests?

I love to travel. I take every opportunity to travel - everywhere. Other than that, I love movies. I love reading books.

Comments

eli

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Welcome to AUBG, Sveta! I really enjoyed reading this article, I think it's interesting to learn some curious facts about the staff especially the new members. Good job Dimira ;)

Thursday 29 October 2009, 06:10

Mira

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10x =)) I'll do it again :P

Friday 30 October 2009, 04:13

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