Emilia Kabadozova was born in a beautiful town in the mountains of South Bulgaria. Having the luck to live next to the winter resort Pamporovo, she started skiing at the age of three. At five she was already competing. When she was nine years old she stepped on the snowboard and from then on it became her true passion.

Snowboarding became her work and lifestyle. She was a freestyle competitor on half pipe, big air and boarder cross for the national team and won the Bulgarian cup in 2000 and 2005. Her dream to participate on the big scene on the world competition did not come true, but she decided to keep on doing what she loves. She completed a bachelor degree at the National Sport Academy as a snowboard trainer whilst working as a snowboard instructor. Last year Emilia Kabadozova decided to do the International Master of Sport Management (MISM), edition 2010-2011, at the Johan Cruyff Institute for Sport Studies.

Why did you choose to follow this International Master of Sport Management?
After being involved with sport during my whole life, my latest and the most important step in my educational process, was to follow this program. I heard about it in 2003 from a friend of mine and knew that one day I would be part of this community. This program has enriched my knowledge, skills and experience in the sport area and helped me to understand who I am. It reinforced my believe that - if you want something and if you are really motivated and passionate about it - you will reach it. I truly support the idea behind the project of the Johan Cruyff Institute "Meedoen, Leren, Winnen" (Participate, Learn, Win): Only when we participate we can learn about ourselves as an individual, develop new skills and knowledge about sport, and at the end we all WIN!

Please explain your experience studying at the Johan Cruyff Institute
The program is very interesting, active and inspiring. I have developed as a person thanks to this master program. I have learned about my strengths and weaknesses, and every day I improve and enrich myself. The most important lesson is to know who you are and to believe in yourself. Having the opportunity to meet so many interesting people is a great experience for me. It is amazing to be part of this program and close to the people connected by one passion - SPORT.

Please explain what you like the most about the Master program (until now)?
What I really like is the chance to be enriched and inspired by such talented and wise professors, guest speakers and classmates. The one thing I will always remember was the exciting learning experience I have gained meeting Johan Cruyff in Barcelona and his words: "Always go for what you want and never go away from your opinion".

In the classroom we delve deeply into the sport world and discuss what is happening at the moment in sport clubs, federations and organizations. You are never bored at class; there is always something interesting going on. This journey is a big challenge for me.

Describe what kind of people will benefit from following the program MISM?
The people who will benefit are those who have not only knowledge and skills, but also the quality and personality; those who are consistent and committed and able to distinguishing their core values. Those people who are ambitious, passionate, persistent and eager to achieve their goals, they will be efficient and effective and gain benefit in the sport world. But most of all: the people who are not afraid to be themselves and to reach their dreams.

Can you say a few words about what it is like to live in the Netherlands?
Living in the Netherlands for more than a year has been a great challenge for me. This has its negative and positive sides. The negative is that you are far away from your home country, from your friends, nature and tradition. Compare to my home country Bulgaria, where fun is something like a non-official national sport, in Holland work is the most important. Of course the grey weather, but you can ignore the fact and learn to live with it.

The positive side is that Holland is a very nice country to live in. Everything has its rules and regulations and if you learn to follow them it will be easier for you to fit in the environment. You can learn a lot through the system you are living in. I feel secure living in Holland. And it is impressive how educated and intelligent the Dutch people are. You will be accepted but until a certain level; there will always be a distance. They are open minded, but very individual driven.

What are you planning to do after you graduate in June?
I want to pursue a career in the sport industry, so I can put my passion for sport into it. But primarily I would like to follow my passion - snowboarding - by organizing attractive snowboard events. After gaining eighteen years of experience in the snowboard society I would like to put my knowledge and skills in this industry.

My dream is to create exiting and entertaining snowboard events, which will be talked about for years to come. I am willing to provide fun and something unforgettable for the people and leave a legacy. According to me success is there for people who can face it and truly believe in their dreams. I am looking forward to the next challenge in my life!