Safia

The child within was uncomplicated – happy, slightly shy but mostly confident. Wasn’t very far from the motherland so there was adequate exposure to the religion and culture. I also knew I was developing in terms of who I am and whom I liked.

Triggered by some events, it wasn’t until later that all of it created conflicts within. It broke my confidence. With a heavy heart and an exhausted mind, I forgot how to smile or even breathe. I no longer knew who I was.

For me, growing up meant becoming that uncomplicated child again, to embrace those layers of my identity. For I am not myself if not for them. The people I met and the places I have been to, helped – like Loughborough. Regardless of how different our origins, lives and ideologies are, there will always be something that connects us.