Ceylin ERSOY

Hello everyone,

I am Ceylin. Sometimes life gives you not just a training programme but friendships and warm memories you will never forget. The Inclusive Democracy Lab I joined in Bulgaria was not only a place of learning for me: it became a home where I felt at home. In as short a time as a week I rediscovered how people from different parts of the world can become a single heart.

How It Felt

During my time in Bulgaria I did not only learn new things; I also built very strong bonds. Being in the same space as people from other countries, coming together for a shared purpose and feeling so close to each other in such a short time was genuinely special.

The project showed me again that sometimes people do not need a long time to connect. Sincerity, understanding and shared memories can make you feel you belong somewhere very quickly. Inclusive Democracy Lab was exactly that for me.

Multicultural Night

One of the most colourful and unforgettable moments of the week was definitely the Multicultural Night. We were together with Bulgarians, Hungarians, our own group and friends from many other cultures. That night we shared not only our food and our music but our joy, our stories and our energy.

It was one of those moments when I realised that, even speaking different languages, our laughter was in the same one. I know I will keep that night — which I enjoyed so much and wanted to soak up every second of — among the best memories of my life. Sometimes a single evening can live inside you for a very long time; that night was exactly that.

The Bonds We Made

One of the most valuable things I learned was the power of human relationships. Growing so close to people from other cultures in such a short time, laughing, thinking and sharing together did me a lot of good. Even sensing that these bonds would outlast the project was wonderful.

Every moment spent together, every conversation and every small shared memory made the experience more meaningful. So for me this was not only a training course but a place where strong friendships began.

Saying Goodbye

When the time came to leave I felt both a pang and a great deal of gratitude. Leaving was much harder than I expected, because I was not only leaving a project behind: I was leaving people, memories and warm feelings that had done me so much good.

I know very well that if I had the chance I would go to the other side of the world with that group without hesitating. I am so glad I was there, and so glad my path crossed with these wonderful people.

Final Word

A corner of my heart will always stay in the warmth of those days. My time in Bulgaria gave me not only new knowledge but friendships and feelings whose value will last a lifetime.

This experience will always be very special to me.