ASEF Junior Fellow Matthew Matej Klepec’s Research Visit and Medicine Ambitions

We are delighted to announce that our ASEF Visit Slovenia Junior Fellow, generation 2025, Matthew Matej Klepec, has successfully completed his research visit in Slovenia. A goal-oriented and committed student of medicine at the Ohio State University, he conducted his fellowship at UKC Ljubljana. His work focused on gaining a unique perspective on the medical field and patient care. He aimed to observe and learn from physicians within a different healthcare system to acquire new skills, techniques, and approaches that would complement his U.S. medical education. His ultimate goal is to become a radiologist, and this experience was intended to broaden his knowledge and reinforce his dedication to that career path.

In the following, read his portrait. 

An ASEF Fellow’s Perspective: ASEF was one of the best experiences of my life

From the moment Matthew Klepec was born, his life in Cleveland, Ohio, was steeped in the rich traditions of his Slovenian heritage. Growing up in a vibrant Slovenian-American community, he was quickly immersed in the culture through family and community activities, which he describes as a vital part of his identity. His foundation was built on the values instilled by his grandparents, Metod and Martina, who taught him about the importance of hard work and family. One of his most cherished memories dates back to early Saturday mornings at his grandparents’ house. 

My sister and I would spend early Saturday mornings at their house helping them make potica and strudel. They patiently taught us each step, while also passing down family stories and traditions for us to carry on.

 These mornings were more than just baking lessons; they were a celebration of his roots, filled with “laughter, singing, and dancing in the kitchen to Avsenik and other traditional Slovenian songs – moments that made me feel deeply connected to my heritage.“

Finding Purpose

Matthew’s connection to his heritage deepened through his involvement with Slovenska Pristava, a Slovenian camp in Cleveland. As a counselor, he discovered a powerful sense of purpose in sharing his culture with the next generation. 

Teaching campers about Slovenian traditions is one of the most meaningful parts of being a counselor at Pristava. It gives me the chance to share stories, pass down cultural practices, and hopefully inspire them to one day share these traditions with their own children, helping to keep the Slovenian community thriving in Cleveland.

This experience not only helped the younger campers connect with their heritage but also reinforced Matthew’s own ties to his family’s background.

His innate desire to help others and his fascination with science naturally led him toward a career in medicine. This path took on a deeper personal meaning after a family tragedy. “A major source of inspiration for me has been my grandmother, Martina, who passed away from cholangiocarcinoma in 2016 when I was only eleven years old.” The sudden loss was devastating and became a pivotal moment in his life. 

That experience gave me the motivation to pursue medicine, with the hope of helping other families facing cancer and giving them more precious time with their loved ones.

The ASEF Fellowship: “Meaningful and Completely worth it” experience

The ASEF Fellowship was introduced to Matthew by friends who were alumni of the program and who described it as a “fun, meaningful, and completely worth it” experience. Inspired by their stories, he saw the fellowship as the perfect opportunity to combine his personal and professional goals. He traveled to Slovenia with many questions, hoping to “gain a deeper understanding of my heritage and what ‘home’ means to me.”

He was eager to explore what daily life in Slovenia is truly like and to balance his dual identity as both Slovenian and American. Beyond his professional aspirations to work with doctors in Slovenia, he was most excited to experience the country’s culture and people. 

Slovenian cuisine is always incredible, and it’s just not the same back in the U.S. The people are incredibly approachable, friendly, and know how to make the most of every moment.

Matthew’s time in Slovenia was also an opportunity to bridge the gap between his heritage and his everyday life in the U.S. He hoped to “bring a piece of Slovenia back” with him, whether by sharing unique recipes, customs, or his adventures in the mountains.

Looking Forward: A Future of Purpose

As he continues his journey toward becoming a radiologist, Matthew remains committed to his heritage and the values he inherited. His experience in Slovenia solidified his dream and provided him with invaluable skills, reinforcing his belief that the challenges ahead are worth it. His message to future generations considering a similar path is simple and direct. 

Do it! ASEF was one of the best experiences of my life, and I am incredibly grateful that I said yes to this opportunity. I would encourage anyone considering the program not to be afraid to step out of their comfort zone, meet new people, and try new things. Those experiences are what make living in Slovenia so rewarding and unforgettable.

A Few of Matthew’s Favorite Slovenian Things

• Dishes: štruklji, idrijski žlikrofi, and kremšnita.
• Cities: Bled and Piran.
• Music: Schatzi and Moja Slovenija by Fehtarji, and Silvia by Magnifico.
• Words: Odlično

We also thank the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad and all ASEF donors for supporting the work of ASEF and our Junior Fellows.