My journey at the Cedar Foundation began in early 2016 when I joined the team as an intern. It did not take long to realise that this was my place and I wanted to grow professionally at the foundation.

After completing my internship, I had the opportunity to continue working at Cedar, initially on a 4-hour work day and then full-time. I loved my job, but I also felt a sense of incompleteness – I had long dreamed of going abroad to study, gain experience and learn about distant cultures.

In the summer of 2019, I made the difficult decision to leave the foundation and go to Belgium to complete my Master’s degree. However, I promised myself that I would not “let go” of the cause I was passionate about and would continue to support it as and when I could.

So, 4 years later, back in Bulgaria and working in a huge company, something kept pulling me towards Cedar. My time in the corporate world enriched me, gave me valuable experience, and taught me new skills, but it did not bring me even a fraction of the satisfaction that everyday life at the foundation brought me.

I often spoke to my friends and family about the cause and activities of the organization. About the way I felt during my time working there. About how much I missed it and how I would like to go back. About my “road”.

“Maybe all roads lead to Cedar,” my friend said in one of those conversations. Maybe so, I thought then, and today I know they do. I am happy to be back in my place and investing my time and expertise in something I truly believe in.

I knew I needed Cedar to move forward and be happy. I also know that Cedar needs every one of you to continue changing lives.