Motivated by the example of her older colleagues Avenor scholars, Alexandra wanted more than anything to be one of them. She applied, was rejected and applied again the following year. She is now involved in four volunteer projects as a scholar and is motivated to move forward with them. Her story is inspiring for any student who is considering applying for a scholarship.
Avenor: Tell us about yourself and what does it mean to be a scholar student at Avenor?
Alexandra: My name is Alexandra and I am a 9th grade student at Avenor College. I am benefiting from the Avenor scholarship since 2019 and I believe that this status motivates me to be a role model for my colleagues – both behaviorally and academically. I strongly believe that the Avenor scholar should be a mentor to his colleagues and a friend who can be approached at any time with any problem.
Beyond the student life, I am a 15-year-old girl who likes to dance and spend time with friends.
Avenor: What made you apply for the scholarship?
Alexandra: The first time I heard about scholarships I was in the 5th grade at the graduation ceremony where the Avenor scholars from that year were introduced. Everyone went on stage and presented the scholar project, explaining how it works, how he collaborates and interacts with other colleagues, what is the project’s impact on the community and so on. Their enthusiasm, ambition and perseverance amazed me. It seemed incredible that students only a few years older than me are able to carry out such projects, with such ambitious goals. That ceremony stuck in my mind and I thought about it for a long time during the semester and when the scholarship programme was launched, I decided to apply and try my luck, motivated by what I had seen during that festivity. I thought at the time that it was an opportunity not to be missed.
Avenor: What is the story behind your scholar projects, because you are the scholarship holder with the largest number of projects?
Alexandra: I am currently involved in four projects: a literary circle, “From Left To Right”, a talent show, “Avenor’s got Talent”, a series of interviews with Avenor’s teachers, “Alexandra’s Interviews” and a magazine math, “MATH-LY-NEWS”.
I got into these projects over time, over several years. My first project was “From Left to Right” which was born out of a desire to create an open and safe space – judgment-free – in which avenorians passionate about literature could explore their passion and cultivate their talent.
“MATH-LY-NEWS” is a project initiated by the math teacher Mihaela Ancuța, which I coordinate in collaboration with my colleague, Tudor. In this project, we publish articles, problems and mathematical projects. “Alexandra’s Interviews” and “Avenor’s Got Talent” were taken over this year from a former scholarship holder who went to college, Ioana Andrei.
The Avenor scholarship, through these projects, allows me to enjoy distinct passions at the same time.
Avenor: Was there a time when you felt like giving up one of your projects? Was there a turning point? If so, how did you overcome it?
Alexandra: Although it consumes a lot of my time and requires a lot of involvement, it is impossible for me to give up my projects. I admit that there was a moment when I felt that I could no longer, that I could no longer handle everything and I considered giving up the literary circle. But, attending a “From Left to Right” meeting, I realized how connected I am with the cenacle’s participants and I realized that it is impossible for me to abandon the Avenorians dedicated to this club.
The conclusion I have reached after these years of being a scholarship holder is that you attach yourself to the projects you are involved in, to the teams you work with, to the collaborators you have and no matter how hard it is, you can’t give up and leave everything behind.
Avenor: How do you manage to get involved in all your scholarship projects without this affecting your school results?
Alexandra: I admit that it was not easy for me, especially at the beginning, but with the help and support of my teachers I learned how to manage my time properly so that I can successfully combine school and extracurricular activities.
Avenor: How much free time does a 10th grader with 4 volunteer projects have?
Alexandra: It is essential to learn how to manage your time properly, how to keep a balance between school and free time. Personally, it is impossible for me to excel academically if I do not have free time to go out with friends, for moments of relaxation and fun. A balance between academic and social life is what allows me to maintain my school performance and get involved in my projects.
Avenor: What advice do you have for a student who is tempted by the Avenor scholarship programme but does not have the courage to apply?
Alexandra: The first time I applied for the Avenor scholarship, I was rejected. This rejection demoralized me a little but I didn’t give up and the next year I applied again because I thought it was an opportunity I shouldn’t miss. Thus, I recommend to all students tempted by the scholarship idea to apply with confidence because it is a chance for a better future.
At Avenor College we offer annual high school student scholarships for 8th and 10th graders (Year 9 and 11). Scholarships cover between 25% and 100% of the schooling fee and are awarded until the end of the education cycle.
We are looking for students who demonstrate exceptional academic and co-curricular results, who are role models, with a proactive attitude towards learning. Avenor scholar fully participates in school events and is a good colleague and friend.
For details you can write an email to burse@avenor.ro
