My name is Richárd Járai-Szabó. I was born on the 8th of August 1996 in Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely. I graduated in 2015 from Elek Benedek Pedagogical High School where I studied natural sciences and English. I continued my studies at Babes-Bolyai University where I’m studying chemistry in order to become a chemical engineer.

You mentioned that you will be done with your studies soon. What will your next step be?

I would like to do my Master’s in Cluj Napoca/Kolozsvár. Besides writing my final thesis, I’m thinking what Master’s course is worth taking. Starting from the next academic year I want to get a job, preferably in my field of study. My plan for the summer is to go to the United States.

You told us about your volunteering experiences. What program was the most outstanding for you?

I think it was the camp that the “Gondviselés” charity organization arranged. I had the chance to experience first-hand how much it means for a poor family to receive a little bit of help.

How do you picture yourself in 5 years? What do you want to accomplish by then?

I’d like my future self to find the career that I can pursue full-heartedly. By then, I also want to have caught up with a few things, such as learn how to drive or speak Romanian.

What are the 3 most important things for you (they can be people, objects, events, principles, etc.)? Why?

Reading, creative writing and my teeth are the most important things for me. I think these things describe me the best. Reading defines me completely. I could not imagine my life without books. Through creative writing I can express my thoughts and develop critical thinking. The reason why I mentioned my teeth is that I had had a lot of problems with them and when I graduated from high school I decided to fix them. Currently, I’m wearing braces and my favorite free-time activity is brushing my teeth.

What does it mean for you to be one of our scholarship recipients? How does it help you?

I still can’t believe that the foundation awarded me with a scholarship. I’m very grateful for it. I feel like I’m not alone with my problems anymore. It helps me plan ahead that was almost impossible for me in the last few years.

Message for the foundation:

I hope the foundation stays as helpful as it has been so far.