Preview

 

I felt alone... and the deeper I sank into my solitude, the less meaning it all seemed to hold. My still-young soul yearned to escape, to go further in order to blossom. Because the place where I lived no longer provided me with the means, nor the sense of purpose. It's strange... I've always felt like I was searching for my path, for myself, or simply for connections that would confirm my search.

 

That's when it all began, or perhaps it was the confirmation I needed to make the decision to leave my country, since I had a good life in Bucharest: a successful and independent career, many friends, and a wonderful lifestyle. But I aspired to more, more than being a fashion event organizer. I wanted to go to fashion school, specialize, fulfill my dream of becoming a designer, and discover the world.

 

On September 7, 2012, a year after the conversation, I was in Paris as an Erasmus student.

Ala: - A little faster, sir?!

Taxi driver: - Huh?! It's blocked, Madam! It's blocked!

 

“That’s the first expression I learned when I arrived in Paris.”

 

During this period, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I had a wonderful year, with new colleagues, international friends, travel, and parties.

 

The following spring, after several interviews, I was accepted into an international private school specializing in Fashion and Luxury in Paris. I was, then, certain that I would extend my stay.

 

I. The New Beginning

 

Once my Erasmus year was over, I started looking for a new place to live on my own. One of my former Erasmus colleagues was leaving her room to return to Romania in mid-August. The timing was perfect for me. I just cringed when she told me it was a room in a Dominican nuns' residence. But I managed to get over it because it was the only option available to me.

 

The Dominican Sisters' Center

 

In mid-August, I found myself for the first time in the sisters' center located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. I had an appointment with Sister Marie, the sister in charge of the students housed in their building.

 

Ala: - Hello Sister Marie. It's me, Ala.

SM: - Are you the new girl?

Ala: - Yes.

SM: - You're a student, right? Because only female students live here.

Ala: - Yes, Sister Marie.

Sister Marie: - Very well, I invite you to sign the contract. This is a Dominican Sisters' Center, therefore: parties are forbidden, as are animals and the presence of boys.

Ala: - I understand... . There you go. It's done.

Sister Marie: - In that case, here are your keys.

Ala: - Thank you.

 

That evening I reflected a lot on all the changes I had made over the past year. This was a new beginning, new colleagues, in an 11-square-meter room on the fourth floor, with a sink in my room, a tiny bed, a wardrobe, a table, and a window overlooking the inner courtyard. The showers are communal, the kitchen and living room are on the floor below, and the first floor is reserved for the nuns.