Rodica-Felicia ‘Maria’ Stoica, M&S, West Bridgford, Nottingham: ‘I am looking for a place but it’s very hard’

People know me as Maria. That is my middle name. All my family say Maria, and I like it much better. People sometimes can’t say Rodica.

I started selling the magazine in 2015. At that time I couldn’t speak any English. I didn’t know anything about England. 

Since 2017, I’ve been very, very sick. In 2018, they found out that I had epilepsy. That is why this job is good. I have control when I go out. Because if I am hot, or tired, or stressed, it is worse. Since September, I have had a fit nine times. People look after me. If they see me go down, they call an ambulance. The people around here are very friendly.

I like this job because if I feel sick, there’s no boss to say ‘you must work today’. I choose the days. And I can choose what time I am going to start, and what time I am going to leave.

Your support changes lives. Find out how you can help us help more people by signing up for a subscription

It is very expensive to rent. I have been staying with a friend but I have two dogs and my friend doesn’t like dogs. I am looking for a place but it’s very hard. Sometimes I have lived with some people, other times in a hostel. Three years ago I slept in the park with a blanket. 

The Big Issue team has helped. In 2023 I got a phone from them and people can pay for the magazine with a card payment. Most people do not carry cash. But some people still won’t pay on card, they think you are doing a scam or something because you are homeless. 

I’ve been to college, but I didn’t like it. English is hard. I wanted to learn but I didn’t know my ABC. They put me in a high class, so I was just sitting there, not knowing.

I learn English from speaking to my customers. The first time, when I started selling it, I didn’t know anything. I would just say: “Hello, Big Issue!” I couldn’t recognise the money and the right change to give back! I would show the price by holding up my fingers. Then I’d just hold out all the money and let them take what they wanted as change! But slowly, slowly, I’m starting to understand.

I do miss my family in Romania. My sisters and their kids. But I do want to make my life here. I got my first dog in 2019 and my second dog two years ago. I just love them. A dog is more loving than people. A doggy has 10 hearts. It will not forget you. When they see you sad – they play with you, they smile. I like to take them for walks.

I worked from when I was a kid. I have an English friend who works in Marks & Spencer. He is a friend and he helps me speak English. I tell him: “You are young, you have a full education, one day, you should try and get a proper business. A fish and chip shop or something.” I would have liked to be a rich person. I would have opened up a business selling fish and chips. But Big Issue is my whole survival.

Interview: Lottie Elton

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

Change a vendor’s life.

Buy from your local Big Issue vendor every week – and always take the magazine. It’s how vendors earn with dignity and move forward.

You can also support online:
Subscribe to the magazine or support our work with a monthly gift. Your support helps vendors earn, learn and thrive while strengthening our frontline services.

Thank you for standing with Big Issue vendors.

M&S West Bridgford Foodhall, West Bridgford, Nottingham, UK