While Kygo’s concert was incredible, the real reason for our return to Milan is far more significant: Natalia’s Master Thesis defense. After a year plus of relentless work, countless sleepless nights, and unwavering determination, Monday was finally here. Our day started in typical Italian academic fashion – chaotic and disorganized. Natalia had to arrive at…
There’s something surreal about returning to a city you once called home, even if that home was temporary. After two months in Cyprus, stepping back onto Milan’s streets felt both familiar and different. Everything was recognizable, yet somehow changed. We chose to stay in Isola this time, away from our old neighborhood. Milan was decking…
Today isn’t meant for sadness. As I sit in my old car outside our house in Limassol, the late December sun warming the leather seats where you used to ride, I’m choosing to celebrate your life instead, Mr. Baciu. Five years have passed since you left us – a number that feels impossible to grasp,…
As the winter wind rattles the windows of my Limassol apartment and the unforgiving Cyprus weather rages outside, I find myself settled in with a hot cup of tea, embarking on what I thought would be a simple social media cleanup. What started as a mundane task – an hour, maybe two of going through…
As the evenings begin to come earlier, the darkness of night slowly takes over the city, and the chilly air gently starts to be felt, it’s clear autumn has begun. It seems almost as if it happened overnight: it was still summer, and then out of nowhere we’re cuddled up on the couch under a…
There’s something profoundly beautiful about stepping into your sister’s life, even if you’re not quite feeling like yourself yet. Somehow, I managed to navigate the endless TSA lines at Malpensa, multiple connections, and finally land in Washington DC, making my way to Alexandria where Julia and her family were living temporarily while their house underwent…
Depression, Depersonalization, and Derealization. Three distinct mental health conditions that can occur separately or, as in my case, intertwine to create what I’ve come to call the 3 Ds of Despair. While most people have heard of depression, the other two remain largely unknown and misunderstood – even by many healthcare professionals. This week, I…
It’s crazy to think that the first Quarter of 2024 has already wrapped and is behind us. I genuinely don’t know where the time has disappeared to. In any way, in the spirit of learning in public and accountability, it’s time for a quick recap, seeing what worked, what didn’t and the steps to move…
Rejection sucks. In any way or form, no matter if it’s personal, professional, or anything in between. A big part of growth is getting comfortable with discomfort; part of that is facing inevitable rejection. This week, my application to Imperial College’s Master’s in Strategic Marketing program was unsuccessful, and the rejection email came right as…
If all goes well, I have another 2800 weeks left to live. It feels incredibly awkward to write this out and even more so to really think about it. When this article goes live, 1,319 weeks of my life will have passed. There are only 2800 more to go. That’s scary. This week, I want…
That's everything :)
That's everything :)