Marika
Hi! My name is Marika and I’m a 19 year old Law with Politics student at Goldsmiths University in New Cross. Whilst being a student, I also have a part-time job at a local supermarket. I moved here from the North, but originally my parents and I came over from Poland around 15 years ago.
Yes, I am that girl who walks around with stinky cat treats in her bag, always ready for connoisseurs on the streets of South London. Yes, I am that girl who has a collection of 20 cat statues in her room. Yes, I am that girl who will not stop preaching that you need to leave your boyfriend simply because he ‘dislikes’ cats. I will not stop with my love and passion for these creatures.
To me, I can wholeheartedly honestly state that cats and kitties have held – and always will hold an immense importance and significance in my life. All animals actually, but the felines the absolute most. I used to have 2 sphynx cats, a rather plump green eyed, grey skinned handsome Nathaniel who unfortunately passed away of cancer in 2018. Also, little Lola with her bright blue eyes and pink skin who (get ready for this sad fact) unfortunately passed of old age in my arms on Christmas day of 2022.
These precious 2 creatures have witnessed me grow from a child into an adult. They were a source of comfort and warmth through my exams, moving schools, first boyfriends – you name it. It deeply saddens me that, whilst they were only able to be around me for a small period of my life, I was able to be around them for their whole lives. My life continues, and whilst they do not continue on my journey with me physically, they will always remain in my heart and mind (as cliché as that sounds).
Recently, my parents back home adopted a goofy looking Spanish Podenco and named him Tadeusz (Teddy for short). Whilst I do consider myself a cat person mostly, Teddy and I have also bonded, even though he is the size of 10 cats.
Being able to have the job of a cat sitter would make me unbelievably ecstatic. It goes without saying that I obviously am organised, logical and most importantly I am aware of the immense responsibility it takes to look after a cat. I can say, with a hand on my heart, that whatever kitty I come across I treat it as if it were my own.
Each cat has their own personality, their own brain, their own outlook on the world – and I understand them.