My story, My life

I’m Natasha a young Mauritian girl. I am 20. I've been dreaming of liberty and independence since the age of 18.  I have a life full of dreams both fulfilled and unfulfilled.  One of my precious dreams was to discover new horizons with new people who have different life styles. In order to pursue my further studies in journalism, I had to make a choice : leave Mauritius and my family and go to an unknown country, France. It was for me a huge opportunity to fulfil my dream of discovering a “New world”.

Saying Goodbye

The most difficult step was to say goodbye to my dear ones and family.  Once at the airport, I couldn’t control my sadness when I saw my little sister, Anisha , my mum and dad.  Saying goodbye was the most difficult thing I had to do.  Once on the plane, a feeling of loneliness melt with sadness arose deep inside my heart and I started to regret my decision and wanted to return back to Mauritius. Just at this time, the pilote said that there was a problem with the plane and that we were going to land back.  I was scared and happy at the same time.  They placed us in hotels near the airport and there I called my parents and told them that I wanted to stay in Mauritius. But my dad told me not to take hasty decisions as he knew that my dream was to study in france and make a life on my own.  He told me that whatever happens besides the distance he will always love me and that he has great faith in me that's why he was sending me there. While hearing him saying all this I was motivated and ready to go. In fact, all I needed was to talk to my parents for a last time.

A new world

In Paris, I felt completely lost at the airport.  It was so big. There was noone to help or guide me for the first time in my life I was on my own.  Fortunately, I met a lady who helped me. There also they placed us in hotels as the next fligth for Toulouse was in the morning.

A new beginning

In Toulouse, I discovered a new life. A new way of leaving, of dressing and a completely different way of thinking. In Mauritius, we are much more family conscious than here. In France, youngsters tend to do lots of partying with friends. The climate also was different and during winter I got difficulties to adapt myself to such a cold climate as in Mauritius we get warm winters.  People in France tend to adapt themselves to the motto : “Leave your life and let others live”.  In Mauritius we are more close to people and care for others even if they are not part of the family. After four months I had a kind of 'depression' and I was thinking that I was becoming 'mad' as I was feeling lonely even if there were people around me. I had difficulties to adapt and lead such a life but with the help of my new friends and loved ones there I succeeded. 

No regrets only hope

For now, I must say that I have no regrets at all and that I perceive the future in a positive way. Now, I appreciate the cold winter which give me opportunity to dress in a whole new style.  I have great friends who are always there for me and I thank them all.  My parents' friends from Toulouse look after me as there own daugther and I cannot ask for more.  Being here to study journalism is for me a great experience that is helping me to build my future and turning me into a responsible young woman.