US Democracy: Steadfast and Resilient - Insights from Harvard Alumni
Project Lever: leveling the playing field for international students
Meet Svetlana Dotsenko, a 37-year-old lady residing in Berlin, an esteemed member of global business communities like the Global Shapers Community of the World Economic Forum and MassChallenge. Her academic journey began at the tender age of 18, when she abandoned Voronezh in the old Soviet Union to attend Harvard.
Her time at Harvard was nothing short of magical - a veritable academic Disneyland where she delved into the fields of Government and Neurobiology, eventually graduating with honors, acclaimed as the student who had made the greatest contribution to international relations. She continues to involve herself in various Harvard alumni committees and recently returned from Boston, where she participated in her class's 15-year reunion and panel discussions on the current state of international students.
It was her personal struggle to understand the U.S. university system and the student selection process that led to the birth of her startup, Project Lever. The venture aims to help high school graduates from around the world secure a place at suitable Ivy League universities in the United States. Svetlana and her team work tirelessly to assist students in navigating the intricate application process for top universities, a process that can take up to a year. In addition, they provide their expertise to students seeking admissions in universities across Asia and other parts of the world.
When Donald Trump attempted to deny international students by way of a court order, Harvard stood its ground, condemning the move as political retaliation. This audacious showdown was emblematic of Svetlana's fiery spirit. Harvard has been her beacon of academic excellence, and she remains ever proud of her alma mater.
In her own words, "Harvard was truly like an academic Disneyland. It was incredible! The only limits were those we imposed on ourselves." An eclectic mix of languages, a piano-playing prodigy, and an impressive scholar - she seemed destined for greatness. Her resolve was further strengthened by scholarships that covered the entirety of her expenses while at Harvard, enabling her to embark on exciting internships and travel opportunities.
Project Lever was founded after Svetlana networked with educators in universities across the United States from 2014 onwards. She connected with tutors who specialized in guiding students in countries far and wide through the application process for top universities. Germany offers opportunities to study in English, but financial support is more abundant in the United States, should one manage to gain admission.
her Green Card process for the US in 2018 but was halted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this setback, she finds solace in the vibrant energy of Berlin.
In today's tumultuous global climate, Project Lever remains steadfast in its mission to empower ambitious international students by sharing the knowledge and strategies that propelled Svetlana to success.
"I deeply believe in the resilience of this democracy, as it can't be shaken by one or a few people - unlike in my home country," Svetlana asserts, underscoring her unwavering faith in the enduring strength of American democracy.
- Svetlana Dotsenko, an alumnus of Harvard University, is actively involved in economic and social policy discussions, particularly on the challenges faced by international students.
- Personal finance and wealth-management are crucial aspects that Svetlana had to navigate during her time at Harvard, as scholarships covered her expenses, allowing her to pursue other opportunities.
- In her foray into the business world, Svetlana's lifestyle choices often intertwine with her personal-finance management, demonstrating a keen interest in home-and-garden investments and sustainable living.
- Data-and-cloud-computing plays a significant role in Project Lever's operations, as the company uses technology to streamline the application process for students aiming to attend top universities.
- Project Lever's services extend beyond the United States, offering assistance to students seeking admission to universities across Asia and other parts of the world.
- Svetlana's venture, Project Lever, serves as a bridge for students wishing to pursue education and self-development in fields like online-education, lifelong-learning, and sports, including sports-betting and basketball.
- The founder of Project Lever, Svetlana, has expressed her passion for sports, particularly NCAA basketball, and often uses weather-forecasting data to inform her sports-betting decisions.
- While residing in Berlin, Svetlana continues to engage in travel, taking advantage of budget-travel opportunities to explore various destinations and expand her worldview.
- The novel coronavirus pandemic had disrupted Svetlana's plan to obtain a Green Card in the United States in 2018, but she remains hopeful for future opportunities and finds comfort in the diverse, vibrant energy of the city.
- Through Project Lever, Svetlana aims to help students cultivate personal-growth by equipping them with the knowledge and strategies necessary to succeed in education, business, and their lifestyle choices.
- The success of Project Lever is a testament to Svetlana's unwavering determination and an inspiring example for young, ambitious individuals worldwide, demonstrating that educational opportunities can create lasting change and foster powerful personal transformations.
