After the first month at the University of Cambridge, Tačka Povratka scholarship recipient Marija Nedeljković shared her impressions and experiences from this prestigious university. For Marija, this new beginning has been an unforgettable experience, and her words best describe everything she has happened so far: “This is truly unreal!”
Life-Changing Opportunities
She emphasizes that she is most impressed by the quality of education and the attention that professors give to each student. “The professors here, among whom are people working side by side with Nobel laureates, really invest in us, and this is something I have not experienced anywhere else before. This university doesn’t focus only on lectures, but on building a community, exchanging ideas, and the support that comes from all sides,” says Marija.
Marija is studying Data Intensive Science, a program that allows her to explore advanced technologies and approaches to data analysis while connecting with people from various fields. “I have always wanted to learn about this field, and now I have the opportunity to learn from the best,” she adds, not hiding her enthusiasm for further work and progress.
Culture and Life in Cambridge
In addition to academic challenges, Marija highlights the rich social life in Cambridge. Every weekend, she explores various cafeterias and restaurants with her friends, and the latest trend among them has become – rating the English breakfast! “I may not have believed I would ever like beans on toast with tea, but it happened. Now we have a list of cafeterias we test and rank,” says Marija with a smile, adding that this is just one of the ways she has adapted to life in Britain.
Additionally, she enjoys formal dinners that are held twice a week at her college, where students engage in topics different from academics, all with a specific dress code and sometimes even a masquerade ball. “Even though I feel like I’m in ‘Harry Potter’, I really enjoy all the little wonders this university offers,” she says.
First Conferences and International Opportunities
Just a month after her arrival, Marija has already had the opportunity to attend several prestigious events, including a financial conference in London. “It was an opportunity to broaden my horizons and learn something about areas that are not my main focus, while also relaxing in the tradition of English pubs,” says Marija.
The upcoming months bring many more challenges. Marija will participate in the G-Research event for women in quantitative finance, as well as in the Y Combinator startup school. “I believe this period will be the most exciting in my life, but I already know that all of this is just a step toward achieving my goal – returning to Serbia to implement new knowledge in our environment,” concludes Marija.
Looking Ahead
This period at Cambridge is just the beginning of Marija’s academic journey, and her words say it all: “Even though it has only been a month, I feel that this will be the year I will remember for the rest of my life. I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Marija’s path is an example of how, with the support of the Talent.Ecosystem initiative and scholarships that enable a return and contribution to our community, young people can achieve great things. After all the challenges and opportunities presented to her, Marija is on the right path to becoming a leader who will contribute to the development of our country, implementing the new knowledge and experiences she gains at Cambridge to her environment when she returns to Serbia.
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