Curious by nature. Disciplined by choice. Always learning. Always creating.

Who Am I? It's a question I keep coming back to—not because I don't know myself, but because every new experience teaches me something new. I'm Mariya Atanasova, a tenth-grade student who believes that growing isn't about becoming someone else; it's about discovering more of who you already are. I'm happiest in the quiet moments. Whether I'm sitting with a sketchbook trying to capture a person's expression or practicing the same piece on the piano until it finally feels right, those are the moments when I slow down and truly focus. Drawing and music aren't just hobbies—they help me observe the world more carefully, express myself, and understand things that are difficult to explain with words alone. Learning has always been important to me, but not because of grades. What excites me most is asking questions, exploring new ideas, and discovering different ways of thinking. I enjoy challenges because they push me beyond what I already know. Over time, I've realised that mistakes aren't something to avoid—they're often where the most valuable lessons begin. Beyond school, I enjoy stepping outside my comfort zone. Whether it's joining competitions, taking on creative projects, performing, volunteering, or trying something completely new, I see every experience as an opportunity to grow. Each one helps me understand not only the world around me, but also myself. I don't have every step of my future planned, and I think that's a good thing. There is still so much to discover, and I'm excited to see where my curiosity leads me. I hope to keep learning, creating, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to the people and communities around me. If there's one thing I hope defines me, it's not having all the answers—it's never losing the curiosity to keep asking questions.