The completion of the master's program "Methodology of Foreign Language Teaching" at the Department of "Methodology of Foreign Language Teaching" at the Faculty of Classical and Modern Philology of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" in 2021 stands out as one of the most significant events in my professional and personal development. This achievement is not limited to the acquisition of specific knowledge in individual disciplines, but represents a complex process of academic and pedagogical growth, combined with personal formation and professional self-awareness. The faculty, with its long-standing heritage, built on classical academic traditions and at the same time open to the new challenges of modern education, offers a unique environment in which the Department of Methodology manages to form its students as future teachers, researchers and active cultural mediators. It was in this environment, under the guidance of established specialists and inspiring individuals, that training became for me not just the acquisition of knowledge and skills, but a true awareness of the teacher's mission in society.

The training included disciplines that build a comprehensive methodological culture: Research Methods in Foreign Language Teaching Methodology, Communication, Language and Teaching, Media Education, Inclusive Education, Academic Writing, Pedagogical Psychology and a number of others. Each of these disciplines contributed with its unique emphasis: from the development of research skills and critical thinking, through the in-depth understanding of language as a communicative tool, to specific strategies for integrating media resources and for including learners with different educational needs. This systematic approach was precisely what turned the master's degree training into a comprehensive and profound process of enrichment.

Among the lecturers who left a lasting mark on this development, a number of established names stand out. Prof. Dimitar Vesselinov played a key role in mastering academic writing. His lectures and consultations helped not only to master the style and methods of scientific writing, but also to precisely formulate the topic of the master's thesis. With his help, the clear title and clear structure of the study were developed, which subsequently became a fundamental work for personal scientific training.

The actual leadership of the thesis "Composite in the role of a linguodidactic challenge" was taken over by Prof. Todor Shopov. In his person, not just a supervisor was found, but a true mentor. Systematic consultations, in-depth discussions and precise feedback made it possible to develop the topic not only on a theoretical, but also on a practical level. Through his mentorship, the scientific work acquired a value that goes beyond the usual master's thesis and became a valuable contribution to methodological literature.

Prof. Emilia Rangelova, a specialist in the field of pedagogy, enriched the academic path through in-depth analyses of pedagogical principles and their role in foreign language teaching. Her contribution was particularly valuable because she emphasized the importance of the social context of learning, the value orientation of the teacher, and the interaction between personal development and the acquisition of knowledge. In real practice, these principles proved to be extremely applicable – especially in the conditions of the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where students have different professional roles and expectations.

Assoc. Prof. Ekaterina Sofronieva brought an innovative emphasis to training, presenting sharing as a pedagogical tool. She showed that the teacher is not the only bearer of knowledge, but a coordinator of direct exchange, in which students also actively participate with their experience and perspectives. This idea changed the overall approach to teaching, opening up new opportunities for dialogicity, cooperation, and co-creation of knowledge. This model of sharing is particularly effective in groups of adult learners, where the experience of the course participants is a valuable resource.

The role of Assoc. Prof. Tsvetanka Dilkova as the secretary of the department was no less important. She demonstrated how administrative support and academic leadership can be combined to ensure the smooth running of the educational process. Her assistance and attention to the students created a sense of security and belonging to a well-functioning academic community.

Chief Assist. Prof. Michal Pavlov, through the discipline Lesson Technology, provided the practical side of the preparation. Through his classes, the way in which a methodological concept is transformed into a real lesson was mastered: from defining the goals, through the selection of appropriate methods, to the analysis of the results. This systematicity proved invaluable in real teaching in a professional environment.

The general academic atmosphere in the Faculty of Classical and Modern Philology cannot be ignored, where the combination of tradition and innovation created a unique space for learning. In this atmosphere, students not only acquire knowledge, but also develop as individuals capable of thinking critically, researching and passing on their knowledge to others.

The 2021 Master's program had a direct impact on my professional path. If before that, my experience was limited mainly to working as a teacher, then after graduation a new field of realization opened up – teaching German at the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is a specific environment in which the students are elderly people with strictly defined professional commitments and needs. There, the application of what I learned in the department proved its practical value: the use of inclusive methods, media resources, strategies for stimulating motivation and ensuring active participation.

The accumulated knowledge and skills motivated me to continue my studies. Since 2025, the path naturally continues in the Master's program Methodology of Foreign Language Teaching in an Intercultural Environment with English. This continuation is not accidental: it is inspired by the teachers, the academic atmosphere and the belief that methodology is a dynamic and developing field, in which there are always new horizons for research and new practices for implementation.

In retrospect, the strongest impression of the training is the feeling of belonging to a community in which knowledge is shared, support is mutual, and the goal is clear – the development of competent, responsible and motivated teachers. Gratitude to the teachers is sincere and deep: they not only transmitted knowledge, but also inspired continuous improvement.

Today, when I am already realizing myself as a teacher, I can say that the master's degree at the Department of "Methodology of Foreign Language Teaching" at the Faculty of Classical and Modern Philology is the most important catalyst for my professional development. It was and remains the foundation on which the future in the science and practice of linguodidactology is built.