I always think fondly of the Blue Heron family. I like to call it a big family because over the past three years (2006-2009) while I was a grantee of the foundation, I met generous and gifted people.

In 2010 when I joined the Blue Heron family, I was a student at the “Alexandru Ioan-Cuza” University in Iasi. My mentor was Liviu Panait. At first, the monthly progress reports seemed somewhat useless to me, but later on I discovered their true value in revealing one’s understanding of who they are.

I want to start by thanking all the Blue Heron contributors, as well as Prof. Lidia Starica who first introduced me to the Blue Heron program. In addition, I want to thank my mentor, Mrs. Corina Musteret, who came to have a very special place in my life and in my heart.

I feel honored to be invited to share with you some thoughts about myself and the way the Blue Heron Foundation changed my life. My childhood was deprived of the warmth of a loving family.