VOICES From Migrations | Elena Cordoș's story

“VOICES From Migrations” is a project co-funded by the European Union exploring untold migration stories. Elena is 57 years old, and she moved from Romania to Rosarno, Italy, in 2008. This is her story:

Elena Cordoș | VOICES From Migrations

“I come from Romania, near the city of Cluj-Napoca. I arrived in 2008, leaving my four children with my mother. By then, I had already lost my husband. In 1997, he had a heart attack and died in my arms. It was very hard for me. 

In Romania, I used to work at a dairy factory, but I didn’t earn much. I wanted a better future for my children, to build them a house, to send my eldest daughter to university. So, even though I had never imagined leaving my kids behind, there was no other way. 

I came here by bus. I had documents. After a while, a Romanian man helped me find a job picking fruit. Since then, I have learned Italian. It was a bit hard at first, but I managed. 

Later on, I began to work in a factory for the same employer. It was hard, but steady. After five years, I got legal residency. With a work contract, I was finally able to rent a small house of my own. Things were looking up, but I hadn’t healed. Not from losing my husband. Not from being a mother from a distance.

Though I was far from home, I kept all the traditions I grew up with. I adapted to life in Rosarno too, but I celebrated holidays the Romanian way - even if sometimes I celebrated alone. Once I became financially stable, I brought two of my children to Italy. Having them near again brought joy back into my life. They worked hard and made me proud. But they didn’t stay long; they moved on to other countries, chasing their dreams. 

After a heart surgery, I became unable to keep working in the factory. My boss helped me greatly, offering me a small piece of land. Now, I take care of this land. I raise chickens and cultivate the garden. I am thankful. But I carry with me a bittersweet feeling. Yes, I am proud of how far I have come, of the house I renovated in Romania for my children… but the weight of separation still sits heavy in me.”

Interview by: Simone Cerino, Ekaterina Dyachkova Shamshina, Joaquín Emiliano Espinoza Castro, Marco D'Agostino, Maria Irene Mustica, and Corina Elena Voicilă

Interview of Elena Cordoș, excerpt

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.