THE CHESSBOARD

<p>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.</p><p class=ql-align-justify> </p><p class=ql-align-justify>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.</p><p class=ql-align-justify> </p><p class=ql-align-justify>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.</p><p class=ql-align-justify> </p><p class=ql-align-justify>This decision was not based on the political turmoil at that time but for personal reasons.</p><p class=ql-align-justify>I wanted to protect the life of my children from unexpected attacks.</p><p class=ql-align-justify> </p><p class=ql-align-justify>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.</p><p class=ql-align-justify> </p><p class=ql-align-justify>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.</p><p class=ql-align-justify> </p><p class=ql-align-justify>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.</p><p><br></p>