(this is an adaptation of a paper written for a course on biographies and narratives) INTRODUCTION We all carry, to some degree, the legacy of those who came before us. For this reason, I chose to delve into research of family memory by interviewing my mother, Nicoleta, who was born…

(originally published in Debaser Maastricht) A simple recipe to heal after your risks didn’t pay off but only hurt you tremendously Not all risks are worth taking and some of them will definitely come back to kick you and then kick you again when you’re down from the first kicking…

Originally published for Debaser. The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia is one of the most emotionally charged places I’ve ever been. I arrived in the Croatian capital in summer 2017 with the plan to do an internship at an Embassy for a month; I did not know anyone…

Originally published for Debaser. It’s not Christmas unless we’re watching the video of our former communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife, Elena, being executed. As far as holiday traditions go, I’d say it’s somewhere below the desserts but above caroling, though maybe that’s just me. It’s been 29 years…

(originally written as part of a blog for a sociolinguistics undergraduate course) Ever since I can remember, my parents took me to museums — art, history, science, whatever it was, my family loved it. We never got audio-guides, or tour guides, but my parents would patiently walk with me and…

(originally written as part of a blog for a sociolinguistics undergraduate course) Link to a video and transcript of the speech I’ll be discussing, here. When thinking about the power of words, it is undeniable that speeches hone incredible powers to rouse and mobilise people towards a goal. Speeches, their…

(originally written as part of a blog for a sociolinguistics undergraduate course) In somewhat sharp contrast to my previous post, this one is, spoiler alert — more optimistic in tone. I have also turned my gaze westwards, and will be looking at the rather fascinating status of the Irish language…

(originally written as part of a blog for a sociolinguistics undergraduate course) Historically, Transylvania and its Saxon population were profoundly interconnected until very recently. I come from a region of rich mixed cultural heritage, where until a hundred years ago many of the urban centres boasted at least a balanced…

(originally written as part of a blog for a sociolinguistics undergraduate course) I come from a country where, especially if you come from a middle-class family or higher, there comes a point in your life when you make the choice of whether you want to stay in the country and…