Bulgarian adjusts to life as Hillsdale freshman
Serena Howe
Issue date: 10/30/08 Section: News
The prospect of attending school in another state intimidates many high-school students, but freshman Dino Petrov crossed a continent and ocean.
Though he had never visited the U.S. before coming to Hillsdale, Mich., from Bulgaria, he said he has experienced few problems adjusting.
Freshman Lauren Moroder credited his easygoing personality.
"He's such an exuberant, open person - you notice that more than his nationality," she said.
He said the concept of "personal space" feels strange to him.
"In Bulgaria, when I go up to someone, I would tap them on the shoulder or something," he said. "Here, if you do that, people sometimes freak out or look at you weird, like, 'Agh, do not touch me.' "
But, like many U.S.-born students, he has also found the transition to semi-rural life uncomfortable. In Hillsdale he has to travel to find entertainment, he said.
In high school, Petrov sang in choir and participated in theater. His favorite pastimes included hunting with his father, snowboarding and socializing.
Now he plays on Hillsdale's rugby team and swing dances.
Since he has studied English since third grade at a private school, language did not impede his transition.
Instead, freshman Abby Pontynen said, students like her have asked Petrov questions about language - for instance, how to say "my life is such a joke" in Bulgarian.
"He actually teaches us a lot," she said, laughing.
A chemistry and pre-med student, Petrov realized early that he wanted to attend school in the U.S. because of the superior education opportunities here.
He found Hillsdale College through an Internet search. He said it has not disappointed him.
Petrov plans to attend medical school here in the U.S. and become a doctor like his parents. At this point, he doesn't know whether this path will ultimately lead back to Bulgaria, he said.
"I'm really happy I came to Hillsdale. I like it here," Petrov said. "I've met good people, friendly people."
Though he had never visited the U.S. before coming to Hillsdale, Mich., from Bulgaria, he said he has experienced few problems adjusting.
Freshman Lauren Moroder credited his easygoing personality.
"He's such an exuberant, open person - you notice that more than his nationality," she said.
He said the concept of "personal space" feels strange to him.
"In Bulgaria, when I go up to someone, I would tap them on the shoulder or something," he said. "Here, if you do that, people sometimes freak out or look at you weird, like, 'Agh, do not touch me.' "
But, like many U.S.-born students, he has also found the transition to semi-rural life uncomfortable. In Hillsdale he has to travel to find entertainment, he said.
In high school, Petrov sang in choir and participated in theater. His favorite pastimes included hunting with his father, snowboarding and socializing.
Now he plays on Hillsdale's rugby team and swing dances.
Since he has studied English since third grade at a private school, language did not impede his transition.
Instead, freshman Abby Pontynen said, students like her have asked Petrov questions about language - for instance, how to say "my life is such a joke" in Bulgarian.
"He actually teaches us a lot," she said, laughing.
A chemistry and pre-med student, Petrov realized early that he wanted to attend school in the U.S. because of the superior education opportunities here.
He found Hillsdale College through an Internet search. He said it has not disappointed him.
Petrov plans to attend medical school here in the U.S. and become a doctor like his parents. At this point, he doesn't know whether this path will ultimately lead back to Bulgaria, he said.
"I'm really happy I came to Hillsdale. I like it here," Petrov said. "I've met good people, friendly people."
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