Being born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the early 1990’s I have experienced war, peace, and the intermediate period. My early memories comprise of explosions, screams, black smoke, and violent vibrations. Immigrated to United States in 1999, under the refugee status, my mom and I embarked on an adventure, with only 100 dollars in our pockets in the land of opportunity; little were we prepared for the realities. Nevertheless, we made memories worth remembering and experiences worth of learning. 

As I matured, I learned of similar atrocities taking place in countries such as Rwanda, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. The more I knew about international conflict, the more I became intrigued with  globalization and international events. However, I only realized my passion as a college freshman at the University of South Florida. Before attending U.S. F I  traveled to Germany, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Austria. These travels have enlighten me to a world of possibilities which lie ahead.

I entered U.F.S with genuine ambition to succeed academically and in leading an organization such as Students Against Genocide (STAND) in raising awareness about genocide and human rights. I became involved with the U.S.F. chapter of STAND, attended weekly meetings, and participated in few events. In addition, I sought to have a greater role in developing the university itself and in Student Government (SG). Initially I joined the U.S.F  C.A.P. Squad, now known as  Street Team, which promoted  and advertised SG sponsored events around campus. Because C.A.P Squad was a segment of SG, there were few opportunities for leadership. Nevertheless, when the opportunity presented itself, I applied and  received an organizer position. While I involved in C.A.P. Squad, I  became more aware  Student Government and its influence in the university. In the spring 2009 semester I represented the College of Arts and Sciences in the SG senate. Even though, theses and other experiences required me to take initiatives, none could prepare me for the  leadership, and decisiveness I had to embody while studying abroad in London.

            During the Fall 2009 I enrolled as a study abroad student at Middlesex University in London. There I attended classes for four month while  living in the metropolitan city. London allowed me the freedom, the opportunity, and the liberty to become a strong independent woman.  Within unfamiliar surroundings and with new friends, I flourished as I developed my social skills and encountered new cultures. While in London, I traveled to Dublin, Ireland, Edinburgh , Scotland, and Paris France. Through these travels, I have come to better understand a plethora of cultures and norms which beautifully individualize humanity. 

 Along with traveling,  I vigorously jogged every day, however, due to my knee injuries I joined USF  Water Polo and Swim team. My involvement and love for swimming has led me to work as a lifeguard and a Water Safety Instructor over the summer months. With all of my co-curricular activities and side adventures I have accumulated and maintained a 3.8 GPA. Nevertheless, I hope to improve my GPA by my graduation date.

            After USF, I hope to intern for the U.S State Department at an Embassy in Greece or Former Yugoslavia before embarking to  graduate school. I hope to attain my masters degree in conflict resolution and diplomacy in London School of Economics and Social sciences, Oxford, Kent University in Brussels or John Hopkins Scholl of Advanced International Studies. After Graduate school I wish to work for United Nations, European Union or an NGO to mitigate and study conflict, geopolitics, and economics, before embarking to law school.