Nothing Short of Transformative: International Affairs Student Martina Atanasova
Martina is originally from Bulgaria, but she grew up in Lebanon. She is now studying for her BA with a major in International Affairs and a minor in Legal Studies. She is co-founder of the Arab Student Association and is the Vice President of the Women’s Leadership Initiative.
Tell us about your background.
I am from Bulgaria, but I was raised in Lebanon. Both countries are rich in culture, history, and resilience, which gave me a deep appreciation for the complexities of global affairs, something that continues to inspire my academic and personal journey. Growing up between these two worlds has broadened my perspective, as I’ve seen firsthand how diverse experiences and environments can shape one’s identity. This dual background not only influenced my passion for international relations, but also allowed me to embrace a multicultural worldview, which I carry with me in everything I do.
What prompted your decision to study at JCU?
Honestly, I never imagined I would end up studying in Rome. My high school experience in the U.S. led me to believe that my academic path would always take me back to the States. I had been accepted to my dream university in the U.S. with a program focusing on international affairs, security studies, and diplomacy — everything I thought I wanted. However, as time went on, I found myself longing to be closer to Bulgaria and home, yet still yearning for the American education system I had come to admire.
That’s when I decided to seek the best of both worlds — an American education, but in Europe. I remember attending a college fair during high school where I first encountered JCU’s stand. I fell in love with their academic curriculum, the vibrant campus life, and the numerous opportunities the school offered. I knew it was the right place for me.
What made you choose to major in International Affairs with a minor in Legal Studies?
My choice stemmed from a deep passion for understanding the world’s political and legal systems. Growing up between Bulgaria and Lebanon, I was constantly exposed to the interplay between different cultures, governments, and global dynamics.
International Affairs allows me to explore how countries interact and address common challenges like security, diplomacy, and international law. Meanwhile, my Legal Studies minor enables me to dive deeper into the legal frameworks that govern these relationships.
What’s your impression of JCU so far? Do you have a favorite class or professor that has impacted you?
My experience at JCU has been nothing short of transformative. Academically, I’ve been given the freedom to explore my interests, and it has made me more confident about my abilities and my future. The professors here don’t just teach — they ignite curiosity and inspire you to think critically, explore new ideas, and apply what you’ve learned to the real world. They are true educators, and their dedication to our learning is something I’ll carry with me long after I leave JCU.
Some of my favorite professors include Professor Michael Driessen for his course on Politics in the Middle East, which gave me invaluable insights into a region I hold close to my heart. Professor Lyal Sunga‘s courses on International Public Law and Terrorism were particularly eye-opening in understanding the legal frameworks that shape international responses to global challenges. I’ve also been deeply inspired by Professor Pamela Harris, whose classes on Human Rights Law and Free Speech in a Comparative Perspective were immensely thought-provoking. Professor Simone Tholens and Professor Isabella Clough-Marinaro have also left lasting impressions with their courses on War, Peace, and Conflict Resolution and Criminology, respectively.
One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned recently came from my Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence class with Professor Gina Siddu-Pilia, which has taught me the power of living in the present moment. This course has been life-changing, helping me find balance, stay grounded, and approach both my academics and extracurriculars with a sense of calm and focus.
You’re the co-founder of the Arab Student Association (ASA). What made you decide to do it, and what have you learned from the experience?
The idea for ASA came from a strong belief in the value of community and the desire to celebrate important cultural holidays with our Arab friends on campus. When my friend first approached me about starting this organization, I immediately supported her mission because I know how important it is to have a space where we can come together, share our interest in Arab culture, and raise awareness about important issues in the Middle East and North Africa.
Since its founding, ASA has organized several projects and cultural events, such as Ramadan and Eid celebrations, our annual gallery exhibitions, and a roundtable discussion on “Living in the Diaspora.” We’ve also hosted talks with professors to raise awareness about pressing humanitarian issues in the Middle East and to educate others on Arab culture.
Leading ASA has been a challenge, but it has taught me d the power of community-building. Although I’m Bulgarian, Lebanon feels like a second home to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help foster this sense of belonging for others at JCU.
Tell us about your role as Vice President of the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI).
My role allows me to be deeply involved in fostering a sense of community and empowerment at John Cabot University. WLI focuses on three key pillars: advocacy, community, and professional development, all of which are central to our mission. We strive to create a space where students, especially women, can advocate for gender equality, support each other, and develop the skills needed to succeed in their professional lives.
As Vice President, I’ve made it a priority to plan more events centered on serenity and self-compassion, recognizing how important it is to take care of our mental and emotional well-being. We are committed to creating an inclusive space where everyone feels seen and heard, regardless of gender, and we are working hard to find the perfect balance between our established events — such as professor talks on feminist issues, empowerment workshops, and advocacy roundtables — and these newer initiatives.
We are also expanding our professional development program to ensure our members are prepared for the future. This includes the creation of a dedicated LinkedIn page, which will help students network and find opportunities within the field. We’ve also begun reaching out to other women’s associations in Rome for potential collaborations, which we hope will open doors to exciting joint events and broaden our community reach.
What are your plans for WLI?
There’s so much on the horizon for WLI! We’re planning film discussions, collaborations with other clubs on campus, and expanding our support for cultural events like poetry readings and exhibitions. We’re also excited to get involved with athletics, supporting the women’s soccer and volleyball teams, and encouraging more male students to participate in our events. It’s important to us that WLI remains a gender-neutral initiative because empowering women benefits everyone.
You have a very active student life: you’re an Orientation Leader and you volunteer with the JCU Community Service Program. How do you manage your academics alongside your extracurricular activities?
Managing my academic and extracurricular life at JCU has been quite a challenge, but also an incredibly rewarding experience. In addition to being an Orientation Leader and volunteering with the JCU Community Service Program, I’m currently interning with the U.S. Embassy, a position I secured through JCU’s Career Services. This internship has given me the opportunity to step into the world of foreign service, a field I had never imagined myself in. However, it has made managing such a busy schedule even more difficult, which is why I truly value the strong support from the people around me.
What are your plans for the future?
I see myself continuing down the path of international relations and law. My goal is to use my education and experiences to contribute to global diplomacy, human rights advocacy, and conflict resolution. I want to use my education to leave a mark, no matter how small, in areas like policy-making, national security, or even working on development projects within the EU.
I also hope to merge my passion for art and photography with my interest in diplomacy and humanitarian work. Ultimately, I want to build cultural programs for vulnerable communities, whether that’s in Rome, Sofia, or Beirut. By blending creativity with advocacy, I hope to provide spaces for healing, connection, and empowerment through art.
