My name is Ralitsa Parvanovska and I am from the town of Kneja, where I live in the Turkish neighborhood – a small community with mostly elderly residents. Despite the challenges, many young people from our neighborhood continue their education, including myself.
I grew up in a family with limited financial means. I live with my mother, my twin sister, and my twin brothers. My mother has only primary education, and my father – a Bulgarian – passed away after years of struggling with a mental illness. For a long time, our main income was a survivor’s pension, which was later discontinued. This put our family in a very difficult situation, especially while I was frequently traveling to Sofia for exams.
The Path to Medicine
Since childhood, I dreamed of studying Medicine. My desire grew even stronger after my sister became a victim of medical negligence and had to undergo several surgeries. Instead of turning away from the profession, I decided to help restore respect for it.
When I learned about the preparatory course for university applicants, I applied with hope but also fear — was I good enough? At first, the lectures felt overwhelming, I struggled to stay focused, and I found it difficult to navigate Sofia. Gradually, I built study habits and confidence.
I received tremendous support from the team at the Foundation “Health Problems of Minorities” — Prof. Ivaylo Tarnev, Dr. Tonchev, and the teachers. My fellow course participants were also a huge source of strength — we studied and supported each other through everything.
The exams were the most stressful part, but on the day the results came out, I experienced the greatest joy — I was accepted.
One Year Later
Although I dreamed of Medicine, I was accepted into Pharmacy at the Medical University of Sofia. I decided to enroll because I realized it also aligns with my love for science, especially chemistry. Today, I feel it is just as meaningful as my original dream.
I still have worries — financial instability, the need to work and study at the same time, and the lack of support from my family, who preferred that I choose a shorter program. But the satisfaction of pursuing my goal outweighs the fear.
As a future pharmacist, I believe I can support people from the Roma community, who often fear the healthcare system and lack access to quality medical care. Pharmacists play a key role in providing accessible consultations and building trust.
Support Young People Like Ralitsa
For 20 years, the project “Preparatory Courses for Roma Youth Applying to Medical Universities,” run by Foundation “Health Problems of Minorities” and Prof. Tarnev, has helped over 100 young people continue toward medical professions. More than 60 of them are now doctors, pharmacists, and dental specialists across Bulgaria.
If you would like to help future medical professionals achieve their dreams, you can make a donation:
Bulgarian Post Bank
IBAN: BG88BPBI79401064780501
BIC: BPBIBGSF
Reason: “Medical Students”
Recipient: National Network of Health Mediators Association