Conversations Beyond the Badge and where It All Began

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To truly understand who I am—and the journey that brought me here—I have to take you back to a chapter of my life that changed everything. It was a time of transition, filled with hope, ambition, and decisions that would quietly shape the course of my future.


The year was 2017, that’s when i had a terrible luck meeting my ex-husband. I was 32, preparing to defend my doctoral thesis, and actively searching for a job. Deep down, I also felt it was the right time to settle down—ideally with someone kind and intelligent, someone with whom I could build a peaceful, loving family. That’s when I met my ex-husband.


Back then, I regularly attended events organized by the “International” community, often with friends. I was drawn to the open, vibrant atmosphere. These gatherings brought together people from all walks of life—stripped of titles, badges, or job roles. Conversations flowed freely, from the science of chocolate manufacturing to the wonders of the Webb Telescope. It was a space where everyone had something to share, and where curiosity and connection felt limitless. Life, for my friends and me, felt like a vast, colorful palette—each shade holding its own unique meaning.


Beyond the inspiring conversations, those events also offered potential professional leads, which made them even more valuable. At the time, I was full of energy and passion. My interests ranged from neuroscience to artificial intelligence, and I was eager to explore and expand in every direction. I also danced—for no other reason than the pure joy of it. Those moments, surrounded by people or completely on my own, reminded me how freeing it is to simply be present.


Yet even as I explored new horizons, my heart remained deeply rooted in home. My parents had given so much of themselves to raise and support us. I felt a quiet but powerful duty to give back—to be there, to care for them, and to show up in whatever way I could.


Staying close to my parents was one of the most important factors in my job search. While I wasn’t actively considering positions in Georgia due to financial concerns and limited job security, I also couldn’t bring myself to accept the idea of being too far away.


At the time, I had serious job offers from the United States, and I gave them real thought. But the distance felt too great. Both of my parents were struggling with health issues, and I couldn’t leave their care entirely in the hands of my sister. More than that, I needed to know I could be there—physically—whenever they needed me.


So I did everything I could to stay connected. I used every possible opportunity to visit home, and I spent every holiday with my family. It was my way of being close, even when life was pulling me in different directions.


That chapter—full of dreams, discoveries, and early decisions—marked the beginning of a path I never expected. But every step, even the uncertain ones, has shaped who I am today.




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