Student Spotlight: Váradi Scholarship Recipient, Blerta Ismajli!

The Váradi Scholarship named after Alumnus József Váradi exists through the University of London to provide support for up to 100 distance and flexible learning students over the next ten years.

Originally from Kosovo, Blerta spent her later teen years studying at an international school in Israel. Currently, in her first year at AAU, Blerta finds her passion in studying human rights and spends her free time catching up on the latest crime shows and swimming.

Why did you choose AAU and are you enjoying your time at AAU so far?
My experience here has been amazing so far! Living in the center of Europe while pursuing an affordable and reputable law degree seems like the best decision.

What are you studying and why did you pick this specific program?
I grew up in a small country in south-eastern Europe, Kosovo. Growing up in a conflict heavy region has had an impact on who I am today and these experiences influenced who I want my “future me” to be.  The more I learned about myself, my people, and their memories of prosecution, loss, and suffering, the more I realized that we need a voice, a legal channel, to express our stories to result in change.

I aspire to be an International Lawyer. 10 years from now, I want to be known as someone who fights for the rights of those oppressed, an activist who raises her voice towards injustices and is working to make the world a better place. AAU’s IR degree & University of London’s Law program equips students with the comprehensive knowledge needed when dealing with challenges in our “ever-increasing complex world”. Its international community, and the plethora of thoughts and perspectives, encourage students to be quick thinkers, smart decision-makers, and fair leaders of tomorrow. 

I have risen out of my family’s own conflict in my country and lived and experienced life and politics in Israel for the duration of my IB Diploma. I am connected to what is happening in my own country, Israel, and the rest of the world as a global citizen.

I have a lot to give to and gain from the community of the University of London. This combination creates a vision, one I want to change and I have the energy, drive, and intellect to make a difference in the world.

How did you first hear about the Varadi Scholarship?
I found out about the scholarship after I applied to the University of London. I was scrolling through their fees and funding page when I came across the scholarship! I saw it as the perfect opportunity to fund the extra fees that came from doing a UoL degree.

What teachers inspire you at AAU and why?
I believe that since the majority of my teachers are female, this in itself is an inspiration! Seeing these powerful, intelligent women pave the road of knowledge towards a male-dominated field, is the best motivator a young woman can ask for! They’re role models, who are not only teaching me and the others the legal side of life, but the reality behind it as well, constantly proving that you can be whatever you want when you put your mind to it. 

What made you want to apply for the scholarship?
I am the type of person that tries to seize every opportunity they have in life. I believe that little things like this scholarship set the milestones of who we are and what we want to be in the future. When I saw that I had the chance to win this scholarship, my first thought was not the prize itself but was the feeling of success that would come with it.

Tell us a bit about the application process- did you write an essay?
The application process was fairly simple. To be eligible to apply I had to meet certain requirements (Country of Origin, Incoming first-year student, etc.) and before I could be considered for the scholarship, I had to have a study offer. There was an application form to be filled out, asking mainly how this scholarship would help me with my studies at the University of London and whether I fit all their eligibility criteria. In my experience, the personal statement/ motivation letter submitted during the program application phase also plays a big role in being granted this scholarship!

How has this scholarship impacted your studies?
It hasn’t been very long since I have received this scholarship, so it hasn’t really had an impact on my studies yet. Maybe the fact that I am now a recipient of it motivates me to work harder and live up to the standards that this scholarship sets.

Will this scholarship help you to achieve your life goals?
I believe this scholarship is a step in the right direction when it comes to achieving my goals. Not only because it helps me fund the UoL tuition but also because it proves to me that hard work and determination pay off, and that’s a lesson for life. 

What would be your advice for other students who might want to apply to this, or any, scholarship?
I think the best advice I could give to other students wanting to apply for this or any scholarship, is to tell them to go for it! Sometimes we tend to say no to ourselves and deprive ourselves of an opportunity to achieve something. Don’t say no to yourself first, just go for it and see what happens!