Anna's Story

19.02.2021

Magdaléna Fischerová

I was sitting on the grass, just enjoying the sound of the sentence: I am fourteen. Finally, I was no longer a child. My family couldn't afford an epic party. Honestly, we were happy if we weren't hungry. At that moment, I didn't know that something that would change my life was about to happen . I had been an obedient daughter. However, when I heard my fate, I rebelled. First, my parents congratulated me. When they started to flatter me, I became alert. I realised they wanted something from me.

"You are a grown-up now, Anna" my mom began. "I hope you understand our situation. We have five children and only a small farm," my dad added. Suddenly, I knew what they were going to say. I had to go. I knew the stories of girls who left to be maids. I felt so stupid. "Don't be upset, Anna, but you must move to Prague next week," he continued. "We do love you," mom whispered. I wanted to both shout and cry. It was unjust, below my dignity. My parents continued, "You are going to look after a baby girl named Maria. Her father owns a factory. They have a beautiful house in the center of Prague." I glared at them. I wanted to study, not to be a maid. When I told them that I would not do it, dad merely said "unfortunately, it's not your decision to make.''

Frankly, I don't mind Prague. I am a nanny for a baby girl Maria. The whole day I can go for a walk with the baby carriage and explore Prague. The family I work for tries to be kind. I appreciate their effort. But all of this doesn't change the reality: I am poor and this is my destiny. Because I am underage, all my salary goes to my parents. I live in a room with my charge. Sometimes I regret that I won't be able to study. On other days, I'm happy I can walk all day and be outside. This job is like a preparation for motherhood. But still, I would love to go to college. When I see students exiting universities, I can't choke back the envy. I want this too. It's not my fault that I do not have the money. After a month as a nanny, there is big news for the family. The lady is pregnant again. She isn't much older than me, around twenty. It makes me think that I will either have a new friend or more work since they will either hire a new nanny or I will have two children to look after.

When I am thinking about the future, I imagine myself as a mum. I've realized I like children. I would like to have a happy marriage and a great job. Eventually, I realize I don't need a degree to be happy. If you ask me where I see myself in 10 years, I would answer that I picture myself being happy.