Opportunity Scholar Nadia Manushev participated in the Bridge Program while in high school before starting her studies at UMSL this fall. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)

Even just a few months into her college career, Nadia Manushev already feels a part of the community at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Manushev, who plans to go on to study in UMSL’s College of Optometry through the Department of Biology’s 3+4 program, had plenty of time to familiarize herself with campus as a participant in the Bridge Program. Since its inception in 1986, the Bridge Program has helped students prepare academically for college-level studies and given students and their parents a head start on understanding how to prepare to apply for scholarships and financial aid. Through her participation in the program while still a student at Francis Howell Central High School, Manushev was able to take classes on writing and college preparation, which helped her learn how to apply for scholarships and internships.

“I knew I was interested in going to UMSL and my mom said that doing the Bridge Program could help me get to know the campus,” she said. “I could meet people, including some faculty and staff, and just get familiarized with UMSL. I also like that the Bridge Program helped with knowing about scholarships, writing and college preparedness in general.”

Manushev feels the Bridge Program prepared her well and made for an easy transition to college. She originally thought she might want to pursue a career in engineering before landing on health care and, more specifically, optometry. Boasting the only optometry school in the state, UMSL was a natural choice.

As one of the newest members of the Pierre Laclede Honors College’s Opportunity Scholars Program, Manushev received a four-year, full-ride scholarship. The program focuses on academically gifted first-generation college students or students who face substantial challenges in accessing a university education. Manushev was selected for the highly competitive program in part due to her commitment to her community.

At Francis Howell, her leadership skills were on display through many school activities such as organizing blood drives and campus cleanups as a member of HOSA, which promotes career opportunities in health care, and actively participating in the Spanish National Honor Society, which promotes cultural understanding and fundraises for underdeveloped countries.

Manushev is also passionate about multilingualism, which she believes will enhance her ability to connect with diverse patients as an optometrist and offer a compassionate, personal approach to eye care. She grew up speaking Bulgarian at home – though Manushev was born in the U.S., her parents are both from Bulgaria – and has received the Seal of Biliteracy in both Bulgarian and Spanish.

“I wanted to get those because I feel like it’s important to show that you’re fluent in more than one language,” she said. “Bulgarian has always been a part of my heritage and my culture, and that’s very important to me. I’ve grown to love the Spanish culture and the language, and I also wanted to get the seal of biliteracy for Spanish as well. I feel like it opened a lot of doors knowing multiple languages.”

Manushev says that being a part of OSP has been an incredible experience so far. She enjoys having the support of program faculty, including Audri Adams, a senior academic advisor in the Honors College, and Dan Gerth, the college’s director of student services and alumni relations and an associate teaching professor, who assist and encourage her through regular check-in meetings.

“Those are really helpful,” she said. “They’re asking how classes are going and how I’m feeling. I love Dan and Audri as mentors and advisors; I can always go there for help, and they’re always going to help me. I feel a close connection with the other OSP recipients as well.”

Manushev has also found support from her OSP student mentor, Oumy Ndiaye, who is always around to help with study techniques, work on assignments, answer questions about what to expect from classes or just grab lunch. Having such a strong support network has helped Manushev adjust to college and feel comfortable getting involved across the UMSL campus as a member of the Pre-Optometry Club, Biological Society and Delta Zeta. And while she’s enjoying all of her classes, her chemistry class with Assistant Teaching Professor Megan Burroughs and Honors class with Dean Ed Munn Sanchez have been particular favorites.

Whether in the classroom, in various clubs or organizations or as a member of her sorority, she’s found a strong sense of community at UMSL that has helped her feel at home.

“I like all my classes, and I’ve met a lot of people I’ve become close with,” Manushev said. “I think the community is pretty strong at UMSL, and especially at the Honors College, I can definitely feel a big sense of community.”