Eastern Europe During The Communist Regime - 1038 Words

When most people think of eastern Europe during the communist regime, they do not think of a professor from a small Illinois university. But that is exactly Elza Ibroscheva’s background. She was born in Burgas, Bulgaria, and is now a professor in the mass communications department at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. â€Å"I grew up in a very happy childhood, contrary to what most people would believe because I also grew up during communism,† she said. â€Å"I had a very carefree, wonderful experience as a young girl in Bulgaria.† Although she had a pleasant upbringing, Ibroscheva said she does remember negatives of living under communism, such as travel restrictions. She also said the situation after the Berlin Wall fell during her†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"That university has been an example of why the American model of education is the one everybody aspires to follow.† While an undergraduate, Ibroscheva wanted to continue her education. Her professors encouraged her to attend graduate school. Eventually, she decided to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale, coming to the United States in 1997. Originally, she planned to complete her graduate studies, then return to Bulgaria to work in the media. Her plans changed as she became more interested in her work. â€Å"I just got madly in love with the idea of research,† she remembered. â€Å"I love writing. I love studying the media. I also got the opportunity to be a teaching assistant, and I realized I was kind of enjoying that part of my graduate experience.† Again, Ibroscheva’s professors encouraged her to continue her education, which she did, earning a doctorate degree from SIU Carbondale after she finished her master’s program. In 2003, she began working as an assistant professor at SIU Edwardsville. She began A.B.D., which means all but dissertation. She finished her dissertation within the required time. Ibroscheva, who primarily teaches a digital publishing and design class and a cultural media studies course, said she loves the environment SIU Edwardsville has. â€Å"It doesn’t just feel like a workplace,† she said. â€Å"It feels like you can come here and you can