Aleksandra Krasnova (’26) delivered a thoughtful and deeply moving speech at the 32nd Commencement Ceremony, and many students resonated with it.
Graduating with a major in Journalism and Mass Communication, Aleksandra’s journey at AUBG has been defined by academic excellence, co-curricular engagement, creativity, and intercultural awareness. Beyond all, her presence at AUBG has been shaped by her deep passion for the performing arts far beyond the curtain. A dedicated performer, mentor, director, and producer, she played a central role in the university’s creative community. As Vocal Director of Heathers and later Co-Director of Cry-Baby, she helped lead large-scale productions through artistic vision, collaboration, and leadership. Through a range of complex performances, she demonstrated a remarkable ability to bring sincerity, strength, and humanity to every role she undertook. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to campus theatre and the performing arts, she received AUBG’s Al Cyrus Theater Award in 2026.
Aleksandra’s story continues beyond AUBG. In September, she will appear in a multidisciplinary production of Federico García Lorca’s Blood Wedding at the Drama Theater in Blagoevgrad, while also pursuing opportunities in journalism. As this year’s Student Commencement Speaker, she represents the creativity, resilience, integrity, and transformative spirit of the Class of 2026.
Dear Class of 2026,
“I am standing before you today with a very troubled heart…” Just kidding, that was a musical reference.
Today, I am standing before you with great honour. Being the Commencement Speaker has been on my AUBG to-do bucket list since freshman year. And here I am.
I’ve been thinking, what is there to say to graduates with so many different interests, majors, and backgrounds? And I thought that maybe the best would be to share some personal takeaways, hoping that you can find something that resonates with you.
In the early morning of February 24, 2022, my life was divided into “before” and “after.” In early March, I left the country, not being able to withstand the guilt, the pain, the confusion. In that temporary immigration, I was looking for a new school, a new home, and a new me. I applied to various American universities in Europe, and was accepted into most, but, in the end, I chose AUBG.
The early morning of February 24 2022, was not the only thing that shook our class. We’ve witnessed wars, protests, elections. We’ve gone through personal tragedies, disappointments, and breakdowns. But we kept going. We showed up when we thought we couldn’t. We stood by each other, held each other’s hands, and wiped each other’s tears. In those moments, I had a place to go and a shoulder to cry on. In those moments, I was glad I chose AUBG.
Apart from those stains of darkness on our AUBG journey, we had our brightest days. Just think of all the parties at Under (when it was still good), all the Broadway shows, the conferences, the hikes, competitions, performances, exhibitions… classes. Think of all the times when you were grateful to be in that classroom, learning. Think of all the faculty and staff who have given it all to pass on the knowledge, to contribute to our lives, and make us better. I hope you have those moments and those people. I definitely do. And I’m glad I chose AUBG.
Now, looking back at the freshman me, I think, “Wow. You’ve grown.” It seems like I’ve lived not one, but multiple lives here. In literature terms (I’m a Lit minor, after all), I’ve gone through and witnessed character developments, rising actions, climaxes, falls, redemption arcs. It’s almost impossible to put into words how many turns and permutations I’ve gone through. But, you know, I don’t regret any of it. I’m glad I chose AUBG.
In these four years, I may not have gotten into a single relationship, but I think I found something better. Bigger. I found myself. I found the passions and the things that keep me going. I found my anchors. And I found friends. Some of them are here today. Some – in Sofia, one – in India. I found people that I couldn’t have found otherwise. And that’s why I’m glad I chose AUBG.
But enough of looking back. We’re here. Right now. Ahead of us is the great unknown that is worth exploring. But don’t tremble – have faith it will be good.
I hope, in the future, you’re fortunate enough to do what you love. I hope in the future you all have a place to go and a shoulder to cry on. I hope, looking back at these four years, you won’t regret it, I hope you feel it was all worth it. I hope you, too, are glad you chose AUBG.
Before I leave the stage, I would like to quote a song from Legally Blonde, “I thank you one and all, The ones who thought I’d fall, Who taught me how to fail, Who helped me to prevail. I’m standing here today, ‘cause you helped me find my way.”
And, in the end, Omigod You Guys, we made it!
