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Duration: 2:06 minutes
Accession No: TWCMS : 2009.178
This story has been viewed 2248 times

Summary
Claire talks about how she felt about moving from China to live in England.

By Claire Sun

Other information

This story was inspired by a painting from the collections at the Laing Art Gallery


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Video transcript

I was seven years old. I lived in He Nan China, surrounded by my loved ones and friends. I enjoyed my everyday life, I played the piano, went to dance and gymnastic lessons and enjoyed my school.

However, soon after I joined Primary school my parents made the decision that we were going to England, my dad was going to get a master degree there.

I knew that it meant I have to leave behind a lot of things. But I felt like none of it sank in, like it was not going to happen for another 500 years.         But when it all did, I was so excited but upset as well. I would miss the company of those I loved, the comfort of my home, the heat of the sun, the shops and the countryside. I felt alone and frightened.

When I arrived in England, however, all the scared thoughts disappeared replaced with excitement. The place looked so beautiful and clean. It was a completely new atmosphere - places to explore, people to meet and new things to do. It was like a blank canvas waiting to be painted on.

But things did not always go the way I wanted it to.

I did not speak the language, I did not know anyone, I was so scared.

But despite that I was determined to keep strong, work hard at whatever I chose and hold my head up.

After that I learned to enjoy my life here. I made friends, explored places, learned new things and made the most of whatever I had. Of course there are times when I am upset and miss China. But I learned to adapt and think about all the good things here.

Now I am thirteen years old. I live in Newcastle with my parents. I have my group friends, I enjoy my life, play the violin, go to various clubs, activities and enjoy my school.

Now I know, changes are not always bad, they bring great things.

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