13 years without access to the world. No school. No friends. Locked away. And today — a studying, working, and almost independent young woman, bravely moving forward. This is Bogomila.

8 years ago, social services removed Bogomila and her two sisters from an apartment in Sofia, where she had grown up with her parents until her 13th year. The three girls were never allowed to go to kindergarten, school, or interact with peers. They placed them in a Center, where the girls began living without parents or support from relatives.

In her very first days in the social world, Bogi openly declared that she wanted to “achieve something with her life” and decided she needed to start taking strong action as soon as possible.

“Won't manage, huh? Just watch me, I'll show you” — it's like whenever someone doubts me, I get extra fired up and motivated to prove they're wrong about me”, says Bogi today.

Her drive and inner determination inspire many people to help her along this long journey.

It inspired us at Groupama too, and for four years now we have dedicated our Christmas charity bazaars to her — using the raised funds to provide mentorship support, lessons, and financial stability for Bogomila. We do this through a long-standing partnership with the NGO “Operation: Teddy Bear”, where Bogi is part of the “Hidden Talents of Bulgaria” program.

The sustainable and long-term support Groupama provides allows Bogi to confidently keep growing, knowing she has reliable backing and stability, even in tough moments.

How Bogi lives today, what brings her joy, what she strives for, and what kind of person she is — read in the interview. And soon you will be able to learn more in a special book about Bogi's story, premiering on June 10th.

How are you doing right now, Bogi? What are you up to?

- You catch me during a pretty busy time — there's a lot of work at the art shop where I work, I have final exams coming up to finish 11th grade so I need to study a lot, and I'm preparing for a camp in Greece. The book premiere is coming up too... I don't have much spare time. I also take extra lessons and consultations... And this summer I'm thinking about taking on a second job.

My older sister and I live on our own now, and we've gotten used to managing independently.

We are happy that thanks to the organizations and people supporting us, we have a safe roof over our heads, peace of mind, and a chance to build our lives without worrying.

At home there are chores you can't just leave, too. True, I haven't been cooking much lately — I decided to pamper myself a bit because I can afford to. I buy a variety of things, fresh fruit. I don't like eating the same thing over and over. Because I remember how we used to eat just bread and butter or potatoes and rice for weeks... until my father's payday.

That's it — work, school, consultations, lessons...

And time to just be young — going out, hanging with friends?

- That's a bit trickier. I try to steal time from my busy schedule to get some free time, but sometimes those things just have to wait.

For years you didn't have friends and didn't interact with the outside world. Is it hard for you to make friends now?

- I've always been curious and open with the world and people. I like sharing even personal things, I often talk to strangers, and I'm not shy or hiding away. That's just how I am, and it helps me. I have a few close friends I made at the accommodation Center, who I know I can rely on.

So I can't really say if it's hard for me. Sometimes I find typical youth talk and finding common ground a bit tough — I'm not really into makeup, hairstyles, or going to the mall to buy stuff. Typical “guy” talk doesn't interest me either. But I find a way to connect with everyone.

What really interests me are human relationships. That's what I love talking about. Along with photography, art, and movies.

Your life hasn't been easy, and it's quite packed now too. What keeps you moving forward, what motivates you?

- It feels like whenever someone doubts me, I get extra motivated to prove they're wrong about me. “Really, it'll be hard? I won't be able to? I won't manage? Just watch me, I'll show you,” I've often found myself thinking when people told me to give up because I had no chance. I can't wait for someone else to set external goals for me — that doesn't work for me. I motivate myself, setting my goals consciously on my own. I also build a very clear plan with concrete steps on how to achieve my long-term goals.

When did you become like this — taking your life into your own hands and deciding you have to self-motivate and set your own goals?

- It might sound strange, but the turning point that fired up my motivation happened right after they took us out of our home. I remember it vividly. I was still in the police car — they had just removed us. I started telling the policewoman in the car that I wanted to work with movies, make animations, paint. I just kept talking about the things I wanted to achieve and do. And she turned around and told me — you'll never do any of that, how do the three of you imagine this without an education, without anything? It's impossible, forget it. And I am endlessly grateful to that woman. Because after crying my eyes out for hours, I finally told myself:

“Just watch, I will achieve it! I will study, I will grow, and when it happens, you might not see it, but I will prove to myself that I can do it. From now on, everything is up to me!”

How do you explain being who you are today — strong, motivated, determined, proactive? How did you become so active and take charge of your life?

- I don't know how I became someone who doesn't give up and pulls her own weight. Maybe I picked it up from movie characters we watched constantly at home during my childhood. In movies, a lot of characters start from nothing — they're nobody, all alone — but after many hardships, they succeed, everyone hears about them, and they do great things.

In my childhood, that small screen — at first we only had a small black-and-white TV — was the entire world to us. That screen was our idea of life; we became part of a reality we couldn't physically belong to.

We grew up with so many movies. My dad collected tapes, DVDs, all kinds of films — science, documentaries, animation, kids' movies, feature films. Thousands. We also had lots of books. That's why it annoys me now when movies don't teach anything or make no sense.

Who are your favorite movie characters? Can you think of any?

- There are so many, I can't really name just one right away. But thinking back, the main characters were never my favorites. I preferred the rougher around the edges characters — the tricky, stubborn ones who eventually find their way.

What brings you joy, what makes you happy?

- Honestly, I find joy in things that might seem trivial or small to an outsider. Just yesterday I was happy realizing that I have feelings and I can express and understand them. That I'm not a robot. But also that I don't drown in those feelings — if I'm sad, I'm sad, I admit it to myself and don't sink into it or call it depression or the end of the world. Same when I'm happy.

I also take pride in my achievements, even though sometimes when I accomplish something, I can hardly believe I pulled it off. When they told me I passed my driving test, I walked out and burst into tears. I couldn't believe it was happening to me. Now I can't imagine that I'll be having my high school prom soon.

A lot of people told me I couldn't finish two school years in one — especially tough ones like 8th and 9th grade. I had to convince principals, vice-principals, teachers, and social workers at the children's home. Everyone thought it wouldn't work out. At one point I almost gave up, thinking they were right. But right then my determination convinced them, and they let me try. Well, I made it! My GPA for those two years combined was 5.80, and I passed over 40 exams in a single year.

Did I fail? No way, I succeeded big time. But for a long time I couldn't believe it was me, that it was really happening to me.

And sometimes I think my own motivation inspires people to believe in me and support me.

You've visited Groupama's charity bazaars held in your support — how did it feel and how did they help you?

- I really love visiting Groupama. People didn't just pick up my postcards as a formality to take them and walk away. They wanted me to write personalized messages, they showed genuine interest, care, and joy. That really motivates you to keep pushing forward. It's worth so much more than financial support — knowing someone believes in you and isn't giving up on you.

Are you happy?

- I try my best to be happy. In tough moments, I like to remind myself that I have things that are a luxury and privilege for many people. I have a roof over my head, I work, and I'm relatively independent. Even my clean sheets. I'm healthy.

But I can't settle for just the bare basics — I want to keep moving up and forward.

I want to show that no matter how bad your past was or what you've been through, you can stand up, overcome it, and keep going forward.