Elena Hanceanu

In Romania, there’s a quirky tradition for a child’s first birthday where mom snips off a tiny ponytail as a keepsake. Then, a array of items like keys, money, jewelry, notebook and pen and even a mini musical instrument are presented to the little one, believed to influence their future. As a baby, I chose a notebook and pen. Little did I know they’d be my lifelong companions, never leaving my side despite my many attempts to part ways.