Ivan Stoykov - Once a Student, Now a Teacher

  „Of all the hard jobs around, one of the hardest is being a good teacher,“ says American writer Maggie Gallagher. One of the hardest jobs, yet it is one of the most rewarding according to Ivan Stoykov, AUBG alumnus from the class of 2014. „AUBG was undoubtedly an epic era in my life," remembered Stoykov. "My initial idea was to study JMC [Journalism and Mass Communication] and COS[Computer Science], but COS was way too hard for me, so I dropped it after failing the foundation course C++.“ He then went to his adviser and asked for help with choosing a second major. At that time JMC was considered a good course discipline because of its compatibility with all majors at AUBG, with the only exception of Mathematics. [caption id="attachment_36599" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Stoykov in his years as an AUBG student; Personal archive[/caption] „At this moment I knew that MAT[Mathematics] is my second major. Nobody took me seriously, the Registrar's even asked me for confirmation, as I was the first ever JMC/MAT student at AUBG,“ recalled Stoykov. He finished the required degree courses in two years, as he declared the major in his fourth semester, with only one Calculus class in the transcript prior to his decision. Luckily, he soon fell in love with the subject. Stoykov admitted picturing a mathematician as a person with no social life, who always reads books and solves problems. „I dare say that I broke the stereotype, partying non-stop, hanging out with friends, and working on projects just for fun,“ he added. In addition, Stoykov was also part of Radio AURA and AUBG Daily. According to him, it is very important for every student to join at least one big club, because they boost the social life and initiate more trust and openness among the students. The AUBG alumnus was also involved in the establishment of the Bon Apetit club, together with his roommate, five first year students, as well as Professors Mark and Lynnette Leonard. „I didn't learn how to cook, I had a rather organizational role, but for the sake of the community, it was splendid,“ explained Stoykov. “Also, I participated in a theater play every semester and this was extremely beneficial for my current job, as I have no sign of stage fright now.“ [caption id="attachment_36571" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Stoykov with the members of the recently founded cooking club.; Personal archive[/caption] [caption id="attachment_36574" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Stoykov participating in an AUBG play.; Personal archive[/caption] Currently, he teaches Mathematics at Zlatarski International School of Sofia. After his graduation Stoykov applied with his journalistic degree and was offered a couple of positions in the field. In the meantime he coincidentally saw that his high school was looking for a math teacher. He then declined all offers and proceeded to take the job. „It is the place I grew up with," explained Stoykov. "It somehow shaped me as a person and I knew that I would enjoy working there because of that.“ His decision was spontaneous, as he never imagined being a teacher. The AUBG alumnus admitted it was difficult at the beginning, because his confidence came with practice. „Being a teacher is not something you study for. It comes with experience. Your students are your merciless judges and if you manage to make their eyes sparkle and their knowledge grow, then you become a teacher.“ [caption id="attachment_36579" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Stoykov with his student class at Zlatarski International School.; Personal Archive[/caption]

Stoykov admits that the hardest part of teaching are the huge responsibilities. „But the kids make it easy," said Stoykov. "They are my chargers for the day. Thanks to them I did not feel those three years at all. It felt more like helping them than a job,“ said the young teacher. He is working on an international program with the 11 and 12-grade students, which differs from the one for the standard Bulgarian academic curriculum.

According to Stoykov, the Bulgarian educational system still teaches old school mathematics - it centers on long and difficult problems that take ages to be solved. There is also a lack of demonstration of the practical function of the acquired knowledge and this is where the international program takes advantage.

[caption id="attachment_36581" align="aligncenter" width="854"] With Stoykov even Mathematics can be entertaining.; Personal Archive[/caption] For Stoykov the best part of his job is seeing thankful students. He recalled one of his favorite moments that happened this year, when he had to say goodbye to his class at the graduation ceremony.

"It was really hard for me to let them go, so I wrote them a poem. I recited it to them in front of the whole school and they were crying. At this moment, I figured that I am blessed to have such moments in my life."

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKnJIkJP878&feature=youtu.be[/embed] This year, Stoykov became the first alumnus to have taught AUBG first year students in high school.

"As a teacher Ivan showed me how to actually have fun while studying," shared Luka Lozovic, one of Stoykov's first-year students at AUBG. "I have never met a teacher like him, maybe because he's still young and understands us students better than others. He did mention AUBG a few times and it led me to believe that if such person came from there it must be a good university. And so far I am keeping that impression."

Ioanna Dimova, another one of Stoykov's student legacy at the university praised him as one of her favorite high school teachers.

"I will remember Ivan for his exceptional patience and supportive smile. For the two years as our class teacher, he proved to be a reliable person, who was always ready to give us advice. He accepted us and loved each of us not because of our great math skills or excellent GPA, but because he could find something special in everyone. From a class of 21 completely different people, Ivan managed to unite us into a family. He is a great person with an even greater heart."

[caption id="attachment_36588" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Contrary to popular belief, Stoykov didn't do a Fine Arts minor.; Personal Archive[/caption]