The scholarship has stimulated me but it was not crucial for my decision to enrol the faculty
Mario Ramić – A Scholarship Holder, a student of the third year of pharmacy at the Faculty of Medicine in NišYou study pharmacy in Niš. What have your experiences at the faculty been so far, are you satisfied?
Considering that I am in the third year and that I have met with vocational subjects only now for the first time, I can say that I am happy in regard of both theoretical and practical parts, as the first two years were just an introduction.
What does RHSP scholarship mean to you?
The scholarship has stimulated me but it was not crucial for my decision to enrol the faculty. I've been its holder this year for the first time. It matters to me a lot, as studying is expensive and this year I am not at the budget. Since my parents are unemployed, it means considerable help for them as well. I also have a younger brother Michel who is in the third year of the vocational medical school and an excellent pupil with 5 as an average mark.
You have a mentor at the faculty. How important is it to you and how much did it make your studies easier?
My mentor's support means a lot to me. My mentor Gordana Pešić, Professor of pharmacology, helps me a lot with the exams, gives me useful pieces of advice, and explains the things that are not quite clear to me, all of which makes my learning much easier.
Have you got any idea at all what you are going to do after the faculty?
I have not given a thought to it yet. It's too early. Anyway, I'd certainly like to stay here and work for a pharmaceutical company, be a travelling salesman or something like that.
How important, in your opinion, is the education of the Roma and how much does it contribute to prejudice-breaking about your ethnic group?
Education is crucial for cracking the prejudices that exist about the Roma community. Naturally, it is important for every individual at everyone's personal plan in order to be successful in life tomorrow. It is well known that the Roma rarely finish the elementary school, even more rarely the secondary school, let alone the faculty. I grew up out of the Roma surroundings but, of course, I had the Roma as friends; unfortunately, none of them continued education. It did not affect me, because I had my goal. I knew then and I know now what I want. I hope I will succeed in achieving it. Many of my peers used to tell me that I would form the family too late because of the faculty, that I would spend a lot of time with the book and that I would miss some important things in life. However, I disagree. On the contrary.
Have you experienced any form of discrimination during your education?
I have. It was at the elementary school, in the first and second grade. But it was settled fast. Later, I made a circle of friends where I was not discriminated. But it did not affect me in the negative way, because prejudices have always existed and always will. Not only towards the Roma, but in general. Sadly, but such is life.
Are you active in the Roma community and how much?
I am active as much as my time and obligations allow me. My activities most often involve talks and assistance to the younger, secondary school students. I advise them, help them with some school subjects. I tell them about the faculty, give them some instructions for the preparatory courses. As regards other members of the Roma community, perhaps I'll be able to make a difference one day when I am a Bachelor in Pharmacy.
