Vladimir Kalajdzic, economics senior and goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team, balances class work, soccer practices and two jobs.
Courtesy photo
Kalajdzic came to OCU from Novi Sad, Serbia, for the chance to play college soccer. He said his career plans changed significantly since his freshman year.
“I wanted to play soccer professionally, then work in the U.S., then attend a grad school in the U.S.,” he said. “Now I have a desire to go back home again.”
Kalajdzic said he plans to go back to Serbia after graduation and take time to enjoy being out of school before pursuing jobs and career opportunities. He said he will use his degree back home or somewhere else in Europe.
Kalajdzic started on OCU’s soccer team his freshman year and has won several awards for goalkeeping. He made the NAIA all-conference team three times and was named the conference defensive player of the week six times. He was also named Conference Goalkeeper of the Year in Fall 2017.
“Balancing a sport with other activities is hard because you have to communicate with your professors, coaches, teammates, classmates, and bosses about making adjustments during the season,” Kalajdzic said. “However, OCU’s athletes are some of the hardest-working athletes I have been around, and such an environment pushes every one of us to be better.”
Kalajdzic works two jobs in addition to his class and soccer schedules. He has a job at the OCU Campus Store and works at John B. Davis and Associates, a small, private law firm in Oklahoma City.
The worst part about graduating is leaving the people, Kalajdzic said.
“I will miss my teammates, my roommates, a couple of professors, and my bookstore boss, Christina,” he said.
Bookstore Manager Christina Chapman said it has been a pleasure to watch Kalajdzic grow at OCU.
“Vlad is a great teammate, friend, leader, student, and employee,” Chapman said. “I can’t wait to see what amazing things his future holds.”
The store’s inventory is kept in the “Vladimir Kalajdzic Storage Room,” which was named after him last February.
Kalajdzic said he has loved his time at OCU, but he is ready to graduate.
“I am most excited to get away from homework and exams,” he said. “I am also ready to start cooking my own food. Four years at the cafeteria were a bit too much.”
Seniors should finish out the year strong, Kalajdzic said.
“You do you, not what someone else wants you to do,” he said. “I wouldn’t change a thing about my college career if I did it all over again.”
Do you know a Star who’s going above and beyond? Email us at StuPub@okcu.edu to let us know.
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