I do not know the country of my birth. At seven months old, I was left in front of a children's hospital in Bucharest, Romania, with nothing but details about my name (Maria), date of birth (August 31), and provenience on a piece of paper attached by a lace around my neck. I grew up in the same hospital for four years and then transferred to an orphanage.

After a year in that place, at the age of five, I was adopted by a couple who took me in with open arms-me, a nameless child, a nobody without a present or future. In their presence and through their example, I learned the meaning of family and their values, something that was previously unknown to me. In Romania, I received a high school diploma, learned cartography, earned a nursing certificate, and worked at a geological institute as a mechanical drafter in the cartography department. Over the years, in Romania, there were a few attempts against my life. All these criminal actions had a negative effect on my development, and I became paranoid and insecure. After too many unpleasant incidents, I decided to leave Communist Romania. This decision was not based on the political turmoil at that time but for personal reasons.I wanted to protect the life of my children from unexpected attacks. In 1981, I migrated with my family to New York City, USA. It was difficult as a new immigrant. First of all, I did not have sufficient knowledge of the English language. After two weeks, I was hired at Zaro's Bread and Basket, in the baking department. Aside from fulfilling my job and full family responsibilities, I was determined to properly learn the English language and the terminologies in cartography to be able to obtain the same position I had in Romania. In 1984, I was hired at Hagstrom Map Corporation as a cartographer, and all my efforts were rewarded. I worked there for a good few years until the day my right leg became paralyzed, which turned me into a disabled person. At the advice of a neurosurgeon, that there was a possibility of both my legs being paralyzed, I took the chance of having a surgery, which was successful. Now, I walk with a cane for support. I am the type of person who, when I face major difficulties, I cry for a while but then pick myself up and fight like a warrior.