Rich Rutkowski, President of Green River Community College congratulates Margarita Atanasova, Fulbright Student of the Year

Margarita knew two things when she walked into the Fulbright office in Bulgaria. She knew she wanted to study in the United States and she knew she wanted to major in broadcasting. The Fulbright office told her about Green River Community College located in Auburn, Washington.

"They told me that Green River Community College had one of the best broadcasting programs," said Margarita.

Margarita began her studies in Green River's Intensive English as a Second Language (IESL) program in September 2006 and then transferred into academics. She supported herself throughout her two years at college by qualifying for various Foundation scholarships, working  as an International Student Ambassador within the CLEO Program, and working for Chartwells International, the college food service company. Margarita said, "Little did I know that when I arrived at Green River, my sponsor would only be able to pay my tuition for one quarter. I am very grateful to the staff and faculty at Green River who helped me to earn money to pay my way through the rest of the two years.  I am especially grateful to Sandy Gonzales, my boss at Chartwells, who was so flexible with all my classes and other schedules."

Margarita will be graduating this fall with an AA degree in Broadcasting. She has just recently gained an internship with KIRO radio and is the assistant producer for two radio shows: Voices Around the Sound and The Ron and Don Show. 

Margarita's plans for the future are to work for a radio station for a year and then continue her education at Washington State University or UCLA.
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