AMONG THE BEST STUDENTS IN AMERICA: Lazar’s name engraved on the wall of a New York university!

The name of Lazar Paroški stands permanently engraved on the wall of the prestigious Iona University in New York. As one of the valedictorians of his class, this young man from Srbobran received, along with his university diploma last year, a recognition that this university awards to only one student annually. In addition, Lazar is a unique voice for Serbia at the United Nations, and his business idea was declared the best in the state of New York. Behind this impressive biography stands a young man who says that in all the opportunities life has provided him, he strived to represent not just himself or the institution, but also Serbia, because he deeply believes that every success of ours abroad carries a broader responsibility.

With the support of his family, Lazar set off from Srbobran to far-away America. First as a high school student within a student exchange, and then as a student at Iona University in New York.

-I graduated in May of last year as one of the best students of my generation, with a grade point average of 9.2. I finished undergraduate studies in biology with a concentration in ecology and environmental protection, alongside a degree in political science with a concentration in international relations, and I was inducted into honor societies for biology and political science as recognition for a high level of academic achievement during four years of study – the promising young man explains for “Blic”.

As he adds, he is currently a master’s student in finance (MBA – Finance) at Iona University, while simultaneously developing his own business in the field of sustainable technologies and urban ecology.

-I still live and work within the university community, and my idea is to finish my master’s studies by the end of this year and then consider the next professional steps – Lazar reveals his plans.

Thanks to the numerous opportunities that deservedly opened up for him, he won the award for the best business idea at the faculty, and then the best business idea at the level of the state of New York, on the development of which he is still actively working.

Experience at the United Nations

-I had the honor to participate in the organization of the celebration of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia at the UN, where I led a part of the program and addressed officials from all over the world – Lazar points out proudly.

Although miles away, this young man is firmly tied to his Srbobran and his family whose support is, as he says, the foundation of everything he has achieved.

-Coming from a small community like my native Srbobran, into the global jungle called New York, definitely influenced my academic path. Growing up on “grandpa’s farm” in a large family, with firm faith in God, gave me many ways to become independent early in life and to translate experiences from the village into experiences in the city – Paroški testifies.

Guardian of tradition through “Serbian Days”

Among the many achievements that have marked the development of his academic career so far, our interlocutor is particularly proud of the opportunity to represent his country in the world.

-As the executive vice president of the student government, where I represented about 4,000 students, I sought to change the perception of Serbia. I am particularly glad that through this position I have the opportunity to introduce foreign students to Serbia, giving future world leaders the chance to understand who we are, what we do, and what kind of values we carry, because those are precisely the young people who will be making decisions concerning all of us in the near future – Lazar specifies.

However, that is not the only way he managed to represent his country. For three years in a row, Paroški initiated and organized “Serbian Days” at Iona University.

-“Serbian Days” represent one of the most personal and emotional projects in my life. They originated as my personal initiative to preserve and share faith, tradition, and identity far from Serbia, starting everything through the celebration of my family’s Patron Saint’s Day (Slava), because I never forgot it. During the previous three years, almost 700 people attended “Serbian Days” – students, professors, members of the Serbian diaspora, but also numerous Americans and students of other nations – the “Blic” interlocutor proudly points out.

They just need to get to know us

Building his life in America, Lazar had the opportunity to see how Serbia is perceived by people from other countries – from ignorance to prejudice. He successfully “demolished” both.

-Through personal communication, I witnessed how many prejudices about Serbia are broken down, most often not through argument, but through example – work, knowledge, and humanity. Such experiences confirm that real influence comes from personal example and that perception changes when people feel our authenticity, dedication, and ability to contribute to the community globally – he states.

Americans, he adds, recognize a strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and loyalty in Serbs.

-I attended numerous significant events of the Serbian diaspora in the USA, from humanitarian evenings to diplomatic receptions, which further convinced me of the strength, unity, and dedication of our community abroad. In the end, this experience reminds me that wherever I am, I always carry Serbia with me and that through my work I can inspire others to overcome prejudices and build lasting values – Lazar explains to us.

A bridge between Serbia and the world

Without any doubt, Lazar Paroški manages to live the “American dream” the Serbian way. He is certain of one thing – he sees himself in the future as a bridge between Serbia and the world.

-I am not yet thinking strictly about geography, but about the purpose and impact I can achieve. Whether I return and apply the knowledge and experience gained abroad or whether I remain a strong Serbian voice from the centers of world finance and innovation, Serbia will always be a part of my identity and my work – our young interlocutor concludes.