As part of this year's "Students of the Year" event, which recognized 13 class valedictorians and 8 exceptional high school graduates, the IT Subotica 2030 organization took the opportunity to invite previously awarded students from 2022 and 2023 as its guests to a cocktail party at the "Digital Hive" business complex.
As explained by Filip Budanović, project manager of IT Subotica 2030, the goal was to bring together the previously awarded students at the same place one or two years later, so they could chat and reconnect over refreshments and good music, while also knowing that the organization had not forgotten them.
“We are really excited that this event is becoming more recognizable during this time of year; everyone is looking forward to it, and that’s what we wanted—to create that atmosphere. Since this is the third year, we’ve reached a point where we can invite students who were awarded in previous years, and we are very pleased that several students who received awards in 2022 and 2023 joined us. We had the chance to meet again, talk about their progress in education and careers, and we are happy that they attended,” said Filip Budanović.
One of those who responded was Vukota Markišić, the valedictorian of the Technical School “Ivan Sarić” from 2022, who graduated in the field of Electrical Engineering Technician in Information Technologies. Two years later, Vukota is studying Information Technology at the Faculty of Science in Novi Sad, which he says fully meets his expectations, and he also credits his high school education for providing a good foundation. Additionally, he is part of the “Youth Ambassadors” program, which allows him to visit countries in the Western Balkans through various camps and workshops.
“We are learning project management, and we are currently writing a project that we need to implement. I also filmed a video at one of the camps, posted it on YouTube, and when they saw it, they called me to work for them. Now I’m making video content for some European projects,” Vukota said.
Although he rarely stays in Subotica, he had no hesitation in accepting the invitation of IT Subotica 2030 to be their guest at this year’s event, just as he has no doubt that the award he received two years ago was very significant, and he fondly remembers the event even today.
“We always talk about it, and my parents were thrilled, they really enjoyed it, just like I did. I spent the award money on a new camera lens, as I enjoy filming, and it meant a lot to me, motivating me to start college with the same enthusiasm. I regret that I’ve only been in Subotica twice since then, but I love the city, and I can see that it has progressed a lot. I’ve followed what the organization has been doing recently, and I’m really glad. I’d love to come back after my studies because I see the possibility to work and live here,” Vukota emphasized.
That same year, Eržebet Tot, the valedictorian of the Medical School in the field of Medical Nursing Technician, was also awarded. She is now studying to become a nutritionist-dietitian at the Higher School of Vocational Studies for Educators and Trainers in Subotica. She has only good things to say about her studies, from the program to the courses and the professors, who have provided her with valuable knowledge.
“I’m interested in the connection between food and what it can do to our bodies, causing diseases, allergies, or affecting our weight. I enjoy studying how food influences the human body,” shared Eržebet about her studies.
Looking back at the time when she stood on the podium as one of the “Students of the Year” two years ago, Eržebet says those moments are something she will always remember, and that the award she received was very helpful.
“I was able to enroll and cover all my study expenses on my own. It meant a lot to me, and I was happy that I didn’t have to ask my parents for money. Also, I used the remaining money to travel to Denmark, where I had a great time. When I finish my studies next year, I would like to create online nutrition programs, which I could do from anywhere in the world. Since it’s like that, I choose to stay here, in Serbia, in Subotica, mostly because of my family. They are the most important to me, and that was my reason two years ago, and it hasn’t changed,” Eržebet stated.
Among last year’s “Students of the Year,” the event was also graced by Damir Ademi, an exceptional graduate of the Chemical-Technology School in the field of Oil and Gas Processing Technician, who was thrilled by the invitation from IT Subotica 2030. He says that the past year was marked by new experiences and challenges, especially in his career.
“I enrolled in the Faculty of Business Informatics in Subotica with a scholarship, but things got a bit complicated with work, so I decided to focus more on freelancing, specifically in web design, making websites and communicating with clients. I currently work as a web designer, I’m trying to learn because, as they say, I’m still green, but I would love to continue growing and developing my career,” Damir said.
Damir also invested the award he received in his career development by purchasing a new laptop, which is now essential for his job. However, he says that some other things from last year’s event have been much more useful to him.
“That was a very nice experience, after which I received great motivation. Mr. Mladen Prijić, whom I spoke with, gave me a lot of good and useful advice that I applied and which helped me take off in my career. I think IT Subotica 2030 is a great organization, and I would love to join it one day with my company, and I hope to succeed in that,” Damir shared.
Currently a second-year student of New Media Art at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, Staša Stantić says she often remembers her time at the Polytechnic School, where she was the valedictorian in 2022, having completed the Digital Graphics and Internet Design program. Although she enrolled in her desired faculty and loves what she studies, having already presented her work to the public through several exhibitions, she says that Subotica still holds a special place for her.
“I would say that I am currently in a phase of reflection. I like what I study, but I constantly think about what I did in high school, web and graphic design. Maybe after college, I’d like to explore that field, maybe even here in Subotica, or online; we’ll see. I always enjoy coming back to Subotica because it has such a nice atmosphere, and I would say it’s a prettier city than Novi Sad. It’s more aesthetically pleasing, the architecture is better, it’s a quieter city, and, of course, I feel more at home here than I do there,” Staša emphasized.
And at IT Subotica 2030, Staša feels at home too, as although it has been two years since the last meeting, she says she has never forgotten it.
“I always remember this event with joy, and I’m really happy to be here again and feel that atmosphere. The award really helped me in my first year of studies because at the Academy we had to buy a lot of materials for our work, but I also went on a trip that summer, and it meant a lot to me not to have to ask my parents for money. It’s a nice feeling to have your own money and be independent,” Staša shared.
This year’s event was also attended by Aron Papajčik, the valedictorian of the Technical School “Ivan Sarić” in 2022, from the field of Electrical Engineering Technician in Information Technologies, as well as Anđela Lebović, the valedictorian of the Chemical-Technology School in 2022, from the field of Clothing Modeling. Other previously awarded students expressed their gratitude to IT Subotica 2030 for remembering them, but were unable to attend due to university commitments.
