My Story in the UK

By Fung Cheong (FS Level 1)

Two years ago, I stepped off the plane in the UK. My heart filled with excitement and uncertainty; leaving Hong Kong was not an easy decision, but I knew that moving to a new country meant starting from the beginning. The UK has a rich history and diverse culture; it was going to be my new home, and I was determined to make the most of it. 

At first, everything felt unfamiliar: the weather, the food, and the way people spoke. In Hong Kong, I was used to a fast lifestyle where the city never seemed to sleep. The UK felt different in some ways but also more open. The cold winter was the most uncomfortable; sometimes the winds were a shock to me, and sometimes the rain was horrible. I quickly learned that carrying a rain jacket was necessary because the rain could come at any time and anywhere. 

The food reflected people's lifestyle, which is full of colour, taste, and quality. The breakfast tea refreshed my mind; the Christmas dinner satisfied my appetite, and the chocolate desserts were simply the best. Then there is better sleep; it is a wonderful day !

 Language was a bigger challenge. My English speaking resembled that of a nursery school student, limited to only simple conversations. Understanding different accents was more difficult than climbing a mountain. The English language has many phrases and slang words that I had never heard before. I worried about how to keep going. However, I reminded myself that learning takes time and that every step was a step forward. 

One of my primary goals was to find a job. I knew that having a good opportunity to listen to English would benefit me in the workplace. I applied for various jobs and practised my interview skills numerous times. A room attendant position at the Radisson Blu Hotel Airport became my first job in the UK. I felt proud of myself; it marked a new beginning, and I was ready to work hard. A sailboat began its new journey. 

At the same time, I earn the money and decided to take an ESOL English Entry 3, which could build up my abilities in reading, writing, and speaking, although listening is my weak point. Studying again after over 50 years of age was not easy because my memory often fades quickly. The lessons helped me improve my grammar, understand more vocabulary, and write more clearly. 

My English teacher is Shams. He has a slight accent but speaks with confidence; his bright eyes illuminate my journey with English. He speaks quickly, like bees buzzing, and gives us a lot of homework. A teacher's job never stops. He helps us understand every lesson, but I don’t grasp everything well. Some English words simply mean Chinese, and some Chinese words mean simple English. Therefore, I find the English language quite difficult.

Outside of work and studies, I also make new friends. Firstly, I missed my family and friends in Hong Kong, but meeting people from different backgrounds helps me feel less lonely. I joined the community charity in Wythenshawe town centre, and I was happy to talk with my neighbours and started learning about British traditions. These experiences helped me grow as a person and understand the culture better. 

The clock keeps running. My journey is finally smooth. But one morning in January 2024, something changed. When I woke up in bed, I found that my fingers and toes were stiff. I tried to move many times, but I couldn’t. I was so scared! My brain felt like a blank sheet; I didn’t know what to do, and I cried as a river of tears soaked my heart. My roommate called 999, sending me to the hospital, where I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. At that moment, my heart was completely broken by the bad things around me. Facing extremely difficult problems, I grew stronger with every step, and I did not give up my studies in college. I must move ahead together on this journey.

Now, two years after arriving in the UK, I have adapted to the lifestyle. I have visited different cities, tried traditional British food like fish and chips, and attended music concerts. I started to feel more comfortable in my new environment, so I built a new routine with hard work. There are still challenges, but I have learned to be patient and keep going.

Moving to the UK was a big decision, but it was the right one. It has given me a chance to learn, explore, and build a better future. My journey has just begun, and I look forward to seeing where it takes me next.