I wanted to choose something that truly resonated with me, something I could delve into with passion and purpose. Reflecting on my previous assignments, the projects that stood out to me were One Year on from the Turkish Earthquakes, the Palestine Protest, and the Ukraine Relief Community Project. These were powerful, impactful topics, and I realised that a common thread connected them, spreading awareness about issues that truly matter. This made me realise how much I want my writing to make a difference.
Looking for inspiration, I turned not only to my past work but to real life. I thought about what drives me, who inspires me, and then it hit me. My parents.
My father left Cyprus at 20, right after his mandatory military service, with no knowledge of English, no qualifications, no money, and no family support. He started from scratch to build a better life in the UK. My mother’s story is similar, she left Turkey at 18 after receiving a scholarship to university. She also knew no English and had no family support but she was determined to build a better future.
My parent's journey was filled with countless hardships, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their sacrifices. No words can express how grateful I am for everything they’ve done.
From their stories, I realised there are countless others who have left their home countries in search of a better life. I want to highlight the experiences of these individuals, exploring why they left, whether due to war, economic hardship, or family and personal circumstances.
My project will focus on their challenges in integrating into a new society, the emotional toll of being separated from loved ones, the racism and discrimination they’ve faced, and how romanticised views of the UK often clash with harsh realities. I also want to highlight the support available to them through different organisations, giving a voice to those whose stories need to be heard.
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