My name is Elyana but people here call me Frenchie – it’s my little nickname here in Australia.
I’ve been in 10 months already and everyday it’s a different fighting combat with myself because it’s not my country, you know what I mean? I try to kill time so I got a job and I like it, I learn more of the language (English), I make good friends , I look after myself – I just try to do my time cause I got a lot to do before I go back to my home in France.
It’s very hard to be locked up far away from family and friends. I really feel selfish at this point, I put money before the true love from them and now I can’t talk, laugh or spend some time or grow up with all the people I stand for – I miss you mum, my brothers, friends and family.
Here in jail we are allowed to have a 10 minute phone call with family or friends from overseas but they cost us $8 each. Air mail takes months to get a letter from them. I’m grateful about virtual visits, two in a week, but after every single visit, when I go back to my unit, I feel my heartbroken.
So, for my mind I got some photos of them on my board and I listen to music 24/7: Tupac, Bruno Mars, Michael J, Rihanna, Akon, Eminem, The Weeknd and others. Music is so important, I don’t know how to explain these feelings but I know you get what I trynna say.
Every day I learn more. Some days are good and some days are very bad and hard emotionally but I’m still learning it’s just life, you know.
I committed a crime and I deserve to be here. I take that like an experience and hopefully I can see my mum before she passes. I lost my grandma the first months I got locked up and my heart was broken. Rest in Peace Jedda.
Stay strong and patient – this is my key for opening the door of my freedom.
Just remember: Money can’t buy love and I want to say to all the women in the world locked up for a big or short sentence: We got this girl, it’s not forever!
