I want to stay in Bulgaria

Hello, I am Mihail. I am a volunteer in a couple of non-governmental organizations with an aim directed to helping people in different ways. I am a representative of the Roma community and I feel proud of my community, because it is the biggest minority in Europe, which enumerates near 12 million people.

I have strange school years spent in several countries, including Italy and the United Kingdom. I can share some highlights which are impossible to be forgotten.

Firstly, I decided that I should have followed my parents in Italy, so, I got there and started studying there. I had a really happy year in 6^th grade at school. I have managed to learn Italian, to get in touch with the Italian, especially with the Sicilian culture, because I had spent a year on this island. I visited new destinations and I have learned so many things about the history of the Italian land. I had the chance to interact with the school system there and how people can eventuate within the country.

Secondly, because I emigrated with my parents to London, I had immediately started to adapt in such an amazing place. I had a wonderful time being in such a rich country in so many aspects. While being there, my English and my accent got better. I felt lucky, because I personally, had the chance to get in touch with the English educational system. I learned about the English lifestyle of a person and the huge opportunities that the United Kingdom gives to people.

In addition, I would like to point the downsides for being outside of the borders of my motherland. When I was in Italy and in London, I was literally a kid who was trying to adapt abroad, far away from its relatives, friends, mother tongue, traditions, birthplace and so on. The nostalgia had hit me so many times. Therefore, my experience abroad was kind of stressful for me.

Even though, the opportunities that such countries can offer, I chose to return to Bulgaria. I took that decision based on my experience here and there. I know one of the best countries out there and I still strongly believe that I want to be in Bulgaria, although its cons. I thought and still think that I have a bright future here. I do not want to be separated from my motherland. Here I do not feel stressed and I do not feel anxious. Here in Bulgaria the sun shines differently, the wind blows in a different way, the petrichor is like no other and the whole nature is one of a kind.

Throughout my life, somehow, I am always the odd person, because of my ethnicity. In all of my school years which are spent in Bulgaria, I am interacting with the discrimination, the racism and the stigma planted in almost everybody surrounding me, on a daily basis. Although, the fact that many Roma students feel excluded almost everywhere, we still have hope that one day the discrimination will end. Nevertheless, the disadvantages which my ethnicity suffers from, the feeling that I am “home” gives me satisfaction and peace.

Bulgaria would be a better place for me if I had the same opportunities as the others. If I were equal and accepted by the others, I would be more motivated. I do not want to be looked differently and I do not want to be judged by my skin color or judged for my ethnicity. I want to be judged based on my qualities, knowledge and my personality.

Mihail Manev