Vladimir Neykov
Success began at FM
Vladimir Neykov is climbing the educational ladder with the dream of becoming a successful digital artist. And he took his first step at Fulton-Montgomery Community College.
Vlad, as he likes to be called, came to Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FM) in the fall of 2001 after finishing high school in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. He had a passion for the creative arts but did not want to become the cliched “poor starving artist”; therefore, he saw college in his future.
“There is an organization back home that had sent students before me to FM,” says Vlad. Lightheartedly, he continues, “The College had a good reputation for not having any of the kids go missing on them. So it was a safe choice and safe comes in really handy when you try to convince your mother to send you to the other end of the globe!”
Also convincing to Vlad was the Multimedia major at FM. He felt that being able to earn money by doing something he loved was the perfect combination.
Vladimir also felt that the size of the College was just right for someone entering the world of higher education. He said that his classes were big enough to meet new people but small enough for the professor to know who you are. And speaking of professors, there were a couple that stood out in Vladimir’s mind as he states, “I would like to specifically thank my English professor, Jake Holden, who was a great source of inspiration and support, always available to offer me his good advice. Also, my Multimedia teacher, Robert Renda, had this fun way of approaching his field. It made me realize that my career will also be my hobby.”
Study aside, Vlad also mentions two people who meant a great deal to him. “Kevin and the late Victoria Doyle from U.S. International Student Housing at FM were both great friends and the closest thing I had to family in the United States. For that, I will be forever grateful.”
Now, a graduate student at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia pursuing his Masters in Interactive Design and Game Development, Vlad has much in which to reflect upon.
“I realized through my years of study that college was not this artificial environment where the only thing a student has to do is pay attention to his classes. Life with all of its whims was very much a part of it. Everyone I met was searching for something; some already knew what they were looking for while others hoped they would find it during their stay there. College wasn’t just full of classes - it was a class in itself. A class about personal growth, about being on your own, making compromises, building relationships, making choices, and living with them.”
And until Vlad can rule the world as he laughs when asked about his ultimate career goal, he will continue to try to make a name for himself as a successful digital artist and gain enough financial security to be able to pursue his other passions.
“In the end, no matter what I decide to do with my life, I will do it with all of my heart,” says Vladimir. “The ideal scenario will have my work carry meaning not for myself but for others.”
