My name is David Danchev, and I’m from Topolovgrad, where I grew up in the neighborhood known as “Dolnata Mahala.” In my town, there are many Roma with great potential, but most choose the path of emigration right after finishing school. In my neighborhood, no one had ever graduated from university. Today, I’m the only student here—currently in my second year of Medicine at Trakia University—and I believe that my example can inspire other young people to follow this path.
My family has always lived modestly. My father is a pastor and our main source of strength, while my mother worked for years as a school cleaner but is now unemployed. I have an older brother who is married and living separately. We’ve often struggled financially, but my family’s moral support has never been lacking.
I had dreamed of becoming a doctor since high school. Yet, it often felt almost impossible—the preparation in Chemistry and Biology was demanding, and I didn’t have a strong foundation. Slowly, my dream began to fade, until I discovered the intensive preparatory courses*. That was the chance I had been waiting for.
I applied as a last hope. At first, it was incredibly difficult—I entered the classroom with barely any knowledge of Chemistry and Biology. I often traveled to Sofia, changing two buses, returning late at night, only to go back to school the next morning. Fatigue and doubts piled up, but giving up was never an option. Prof. Tarnev and Dr. Tonchev believed in me and gave me the courage to continue.
The most emotional moment came when I was accepted into the program. I felt like the happiest person in the world. For the first time, I saw pride and joy in my parents’ eyes—the feeling that all my hard work had meaning. Then came the challenging but rewarding months of studying, discipline, and perseverance. I drew real inspiration from the friendship I built with one of my fellow students, as well as from the personal story of Dr. Angelov—a living proof that dreams can come true if you don’t give up.
When I was admitted to study Medicine, it marked a new beginning—not only for me but also for my community. People started looking at me differently, and even some who once underestimated me began to greet me with respect. I believe every success comes with responsibility—I want to graduate with top marks and be a role model for the young people of “Dolnata Mahala.”
A year later
My first year at university was a real test. I had to build new habits, deal with health problems, and face daily challenges. The pressure was often overwhelming, but I believe I managed to adapt, becoming more disciplined and more confident.
Even meeting new people was a challenge for me at first. Then came the difficulties with university, dorm life, and problems at home. There were moments when it all felt too heavy, but friends and family supported me and helped me get through it.
What I’m most proud of is stepping out of my comfort zone. I learned to see student life in a new way, I built new friendships, and I found hope for my future development. The university motivates me to keep moving forward and gives me the confidence that I can succeed as a docctor.
David is a participant in preparatory courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Bulgarian Language & Literature, part of the project “Candidate-student courses for young people of Roma origin for admission to medical universities in Bulgaria”—funded by TSA and implemented by the Health Problems of Minorities Foundation (HPMF).
In the 2024/2025 academic year, all 6 participants in the course were admitted to study Medicine or Pharmacy – their top choice. Over the past 20 years, more than 100 young Roma girls and boys have taken part in the Biology and Chemistry preparatory courses organized by Prof. Ivaylo Tarnev and his HPMF team. Over 60 of them have gone on to study Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and other health-related fields. Today, most are working as doctors in leading Bulgarian hospitals, in smaller municipal hospitals, and in emergency medical centers.
The project seeks to help overcome barriers to preparation and admission for Roma students aspiring to study Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. We provide highly motivated young people with free access to life-changing preparatory courses. Despite these efforts, many youth still face difficulties, as they come from working poor families and towns with limited opportunities.
Support young people like David—the future doctors, pharmacists, and dentists of Bulgaria—you can make a donation to:
Bulgarian Postbank
IBAN: BG88BPBI79401064780501
BIC: BPBIBGSF
Reference: “Medical students”
The account belongs to the National Network of Health Mediators.