He studies at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, and has dedicated nearly a decade to athletics. A couple of times, he and I have run several kilometers together. We share two things in common: a view of sport as therapy, and being one of five siblings. His name is Iulian — I’ll translate it as Julian.
Being the second of five has given him a strong sense of responsibility, not just toward his younger siblings but also in other settings. Growing up in a humble environment taught him resilience and the search for purpose.
It’s true that sports have shaped much of his identity, but Julian is more than just his lightness and endurance. There’s a quieter, more reflective side to him: writing poetry.
He started in high school. His poems are a reminder — first and foremost to himself — that life is a constant process of failure, learning, and growth. Writing is a way to channel his emotions, to fight frustration, and to explore himself deeply.
Moving from Iași to Bucharest (about 400 km away) marked an important change that went beyond just studying. Having one of his sisters nearby helped with the transition. His ability to connect with others likely stems from his empathy — something I imagine he learned well while growing up in the residential center.
Julian is also someone with ambition — and not only on a personal level. One of his personal projects is to open a multi-sport educational center in his hometown: a space that combines athletics with psychological, financial, and emotional development.
Not just to train better athletes, but to support people in their holistic growth. A place where children and teenagers — especially those from vulnerable backgrounds like his — can discover their potential, build discipline, and find mentors to guide them along the way.
Remember when we talked about discipline? For Julian, discipline isn’t about doing things perfectly, but about doing them with consistency. It’s moving toward the goal — whether by running or writing in silence.
His eyes light up and his cheeks blush when he talks about his past. With great enthusiasm, he describes his life as a balance between movement and meaning. And he smiles widely — slightly forced by his braces — expressing his hope of being an inspiration for others to create their own path.
Ave Migratoria 