Her smile lights up every room, and her warm embrace could melt even the coldest ice. Meet Adela – a final-year medical student from Mexico. She came to Bulgaria for a short exchange program, driven by her curiosity about the world and her desire to broaden her knowledge. Graceful and delicate in appearance, she is far stronger than she first seems. Adela is used to juggling multiple responsibilities at once, and her activities extend far beyond the demanding requirements of medical school.
She is already the co-author of her first scientific publication – a meta-analysis – and hopes to specialize in Internal Medicine. She speaks with great affection about her homeland and her family. It made her smile to learn that we, too, know about Frida Kahlo and admire her remarkable work.
It was a true pleasure for us to experience the warmth, intelligence, and charm of this radiant young woman – Adela Jatzari Salinas Ocampo. We invite you to get to know her as well.
- Please, introduce yourself briefly
My name is Adela Jatzari Salinas Ocampo (Ade). I am 22 years old, born on January 12th, 2004. I am currently in my final year of medical school at the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL). I plan to specialize in Internal Medicine and later pursue a subspecialty.
- Where are you from and what would you like people to know about your country?
I was born in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, on January 12th, 2004—a place rich in culture, traditions, delicious food, vibrant colors, diversity, and beautiful beaches. For many years, it has been recognized as a must-visit destination if you come to Mexico, and it’s where my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents are from.
Since I was 3 years old, I have lived in and considered Monterrey, Nuevo León, my home—a truly world-class, modern city that is unlike anywhere else. It’s a place defined by its hard-working, entrepreneurial people who stand resilient like its roots against the extreme climate, its breathtaking mountains, and its striking skyline, which proudly features the tallest skyscraper in Latin America. Monterrey is a thriving, highly developed hub chosen by major global companies for their manufacturing plants and corporate headquarters, and it is even honored to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup .
It’s also an educational powerhouse, home to prestigious institutions like UANL and Tec de Monterrey, known for their high academic excellence. Above all, it’s a city driven by intense passion—especially for soccer! We have world-class stadiums like the Gigante de Acero, home to the best team in Mexico, Monterrey, which is the team I passionately support!
My parents built our home in this vibrant northern land, which has opened unique opportunities for my family and me, shaped my academic journey for as long as I can remember, and allowed us to enjoy a high quality of life.
Whenever people think of Mexico, I hope they picture a country full of culture and resilience. Even though we’ve faced very difficult times, we stand together like brothers and sisters, opening our doors to anyone. In Mexico, you have a family. We are a nation of people who work day and night, who have faith, who put family first, and who always bounce back stronger, no matter the odds. ¡VIVA MÉXICO!
- Why did you choose to study medicine?
I have never been able to picture myself doing anything other than being a doctor. Having close family members who have practiced this beautiful profession of serving the community influenced me deeply.
As a person grounded in my Catholic faith, I know God has a plan for me, and I have simply placed everything in His hands so that things unfold as they should. I know this is my path and that it always has been, because ever since I was a little girl, God put this desire in my heart. I feel a deep calling to offer my service to help restore others’ health. I feel truly committed and, above all, grateful to have the opportunity today, as a woman, to study a career that was once thought to be only for men.
- What are the things you will remember about your stay in Bulgaria?
I am completely in love with Bulgaria. This is my first international experience, so I will always hold a deeply special place for this country in my heart. It has allowed me to experience what it truly means to connect with people from all over the world. I love its nature, its food, its traditions, and especially its kind people.
I’m taking home a new version of myself—reflections, fresh perspectives, new friendships, and unforgettable places. I leave with the satisfaction of having fulfilled a dream, and even though I will leave with a lump in my throat, I hope to return one day to see how this wonderful country continues to grow and flourish.
- How do you imagine the world in 10 years? Will science and technology blur the lines between fantasy and reality?
Above all, I hope that we evolve humanely and move closer to achieving peace—that wars come to an end, that women everywhere are free and autonomous, and that we continue to protect our planet and all the living beings on it.
I am almost certain that in terms of science and technology, we will reach a whole new level. Things that seem impossible to us now will be within reach or even become a reality. In healthcare, I hope we continue finding cures for many diseases and build strong preventive healthcare systems so that everyone can enjoy a good quality of life.
- Artificial intelligence – friend or foe?
There is a very fine line between making good use of AI as a tool and losing sight of the fact that critical thinking is a unique and valuable human ability. I believe this is deeply personal, and each individual must take responsibility for how they use artificial intelligence. Ultimately, we should view it as a helpful supplement, not a replacement for human reasoning.
In healthcare, this responsibility is even greater because another person’s health is at stake. It requires sound clinical judgment and, above all, thorough verification of our information sources.
- What are your favorite activities outside of university ? What is the most unusual thing you have done?
One of my favorite activities is going to the gym and staying active in general, such as going to spinning classes. Although keeping a routine has been challenging since starting medical school, it remains a priority in my life and something I want to keep doing more consistently.
My most meaningful activity outside of university right now is growing closer to God through scripture. I’ve developed a deep curiosity to know Him more, understand my faith, and continue serving in the choir that my family and I belong to at my church.
Another activity I genuinely enjoy is spending time with myself. There are moments when I feel I’ve grown or changed so much that I need to sit down, reflect, and re-align with what I want and dream of. Prioritizing my mental and physical health, taking time for self-care, and continuously growing as a person are among the things I cherish most in life.
Radostina Alexandrova
Introduction translated by Silvia Mancheva