Passion for knowledge and inspiration for others

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Elenita Velikova and I am a professor at the University of National and World Economy. Over the course of 25 years, I have managed to go through the entire academic path from a bachelor's degree in "International Tourism", master's in the same field, PhD student in Economics and Management, assistant, chief assistant, associate professor, and professor. I work in the field of tourism and education. I have always loved to learn and I think my profession reflects this passion most accurately. I believe in the power of knowledge and collaboration and I try to inspire others to dream through my work.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

As a child, I wanted to become a doctor. In the tenth grade, my dad advised me to apply to the economic university because later I would be able to work in a less demanding job. I quickly changed my profile to geography and mathematics and two years later found myself at UNWE in the "International Tourism" program. I graduated with a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and applied for a PhD. During my PhD, an assistant competition opened up, which I won, and 20 years later I have not changed my job. I remember that as a child I loved to play teacher. I believe that talents and career choices are evident from an early age.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us about an interesting incident?

For the first time, I worked during my school years for a cousin of mine during the vacation. My task was to stay in his office and answer the phone. Later, I found out that my parents had made him hire me and even that they had paid my first salary. It was a kind of educational measure – to teach me work and to prevent me from wandering around the streets all day. Nevertheless, I felt very proud that I was engaged and already earning my own money.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity, sources of information, and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

I believe that family is the most important factor in our early development. I was raised by my grandmother, who taught me the value of hard work. At home, education and being honest and responsible were always emphasized. My parents encouraged me to learn and to be interested in the world around me, not just to take things for granted. My mother always said that children should surpass their parents. I was a student during the transition, but I remember that I liked my math teachers the most in both primary and high school. Perhaps that’s why I became an economist. To this day, I find comfort in solving problems. For me, it is very important for the brain to develop, and this happens through reading, mathematics, and learning languages. My recipe for curiosity lies in the fact that I constantly want to learn about new things and understand them. I do not rest until I reach the essence of things, until I explain them to myself. Then comes the next case, and so on to this day.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in more mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?

Yes, over time my perspective on motivation has changed. When I was younger, my main drive was the desire to prove myself – first to my family, then to teachers, colleagues, and society. I have always been ambitious and wanted to achieve results, to see progress. Now, years later, I feel that my motivation comes mainly from within.

Today, I am driven not so much by the need to prove something, but by the desire to do meaningful things that leave a mark – in the students I work with, in the teams I help, and in the projects I implement. I have learned that not everything depends on external evaluation or recognition. Much more important is the internal satisfaction and the balance between work, family, and personal dreams. I now choose my battles carefully – it is not necessary to engage everywhere and at all costs; it is important to invest your energy where you can truly be useful and where you believe in the cause.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was this decision correct, viewed from today’s perspective?

I have always been quite a rebellious child – I insisted on making my own decisions, even when I listened to my parents' advice. At that moment, when my dad directed me towards economic education, I thought about it and decided to listen to him, but not because I gave in, but because I did it with ambition and reason. In the year I graduated from high school – 1997, only nine people were accepted into medicine. I decided that I would not bear the disappointment if I was not accepted, and I turned to another field that was also close and interesting to me.

I applied simultaneously to UNWE and Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and was accepted at both universities. This was the moment when I had to make my choice. After much thought, I chose UNWE and the "International Tourism" program. I liked that tourism combines economics, culture, and working with people – something that has always attracted me.

Then came the application for a PhD and shortly after that – the assistant competition. Everything was happening as if on a drawn path, without a second of interruption. I have never had a period of hesitation or pause – I have always moved forward. I believe that when a person is in the right direction, the whole universe helps them to make the necessary things happen. There are no random things.

Today, when I look back, I know that this decision was correct. Perhaps back then I chose more by intuition than by plan, but this choice led me to a career that I love and that brings me meaning and satisfaction. Sometimes life does not lead us down the most obvious path, but if we have the courage to move forward, it takes us exactly where we need to be.

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?

My interests are of various natures. Professionally, I am most passionate about education and the development of tourism – how it can be a driver for economic growth, but also for the sustainable development of communities. I love to work on projects that create new opportunities and have a real effect on people.

On a personal level, I am a curious person – I love to read, travel, and explore different cultures. For me, traveling is not just a vacation, but a way to learn something new and see the world through the eyes of others. I also enjoy solving math problems – it calms me and helps me keep my mind "in shape".

I love nature and the mountains, and in recent years I have found pleasure in yoga, as it gives me balance between mind and body.

Would you change your profession today and which fields of activity capture your interest?

I would not change my profession – it is part of me. I believe that I am in the right place and that my work has meaning. Sometimes I have imagined what it would be like to engage in something completely different – for example, architecture or interior design, because I like to create beautiful and functional spaces. But these are more hobbies and dreams, not a professional path.

Tourism and education are the fields where I feel most confident and useful. I like that this is a dynamic area – it is always changing and requires you to develop along with it.

They say that personal branding is everything that people say about you when you are not in the same room with them. What would you like to hear today?

I would like people to say that I am a person they can rely on – a professional who works with dedication and heart. I hope to be associated with integrity, honesty, and sincerity.
I would be glad to hear that I have left a positive mark – that I have inspired someone to believe in themselves or to take a step forward. For me, the greatest compliment is when a student or colleague tells me: "Because of you, I saw that I can achieve more." This is the true value of personal branding – not just how you look on the outside, but what you leave behind.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills, are key conditions for success in recent years. How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood?

I have learned to listen to myself and to give myself time for recovery. My work is dynamic and often very demanding, so I try to find small "islands" of calm throughout the day – a short walk, a cup of tea, or a few minutes of silence.

I believe that the most important thing is not to let problems completely engulf you. I strive to view difficulties as tasks to solve, and not as personal failures. I maintain contact with my loved ones because conversation and sharing emotions are a great relief. My best advisor is my daughter.

In recent years, yoga and travel have helped me the most – they give me balance and inspiration. I try to impose on myself not to work late in the evenings and on weekends, but often I do not succeed.

What are the most important conclusions you have made so far about maintaining proper communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily – colleagues, friends, loved ones?

Every person is different, and this is both a challenge and a wealth. I have learned that in communication, the most important thing is to listen – not just to hear the words, but to understand the emotion behind them.

Over the years, I have become more patient and more careful. I now know that it is not necessary to react immediately or to prove that you are right at any cost. Sometimes silence speaks more than words.

I strive to be clear and open, but also to leave space for people to express themselves. I believe that respect and empathy are at the core of good communication – both with colleagues, friends, and my loved ones.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

Money is important – they give us security, freedom, and opportunities. But over time, I have realized that they cannot be a goal in themselves. Money is a tool, not a meaning.

In my life, they have mattered, especially at times when I wanted to provide stability for my family or to realize a certain dream. But I have never allowed them to determine my happiness.

My advice is simple – money should serve us, not we serve them. It is important to have a goal and a clear idea of what you want to achieve, and to use money as a means to that end, not as a measure of your own worth.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?

I would say three things.

First – love what you do, because only then will you have the strength to get through the tough times.

Second – keep learning. The world is changing, professions are changing, and if we do not develop, we remain in one place.

And third – build relationships. The people you work with are your greatest asset. Be honest, fair, and open – a good reputation is something that no one can take away from you.

If you follow these three things, success will come as a natural result.