It’s hard to describe myself in just a few words, but if there’s one thing, I hope people remember about me, it’s that I try to bring light and warmth to those I meet. I am a refugee, but I am so much more than that—I am a storyteller, I have a good sense of humor, and I am dedicated to giving back to the communities I belong to. 

Before coming to Wales, I knew very little about this country on the western edge of the UK. My world was Sudan—my homeland, my community, my career. I had built a life I was proud of. I graduated from the School of Rural Extension Education and Development at Ahfad University for Women, and after that, I started working for the Sudan National Broadcast Corporation. I loved sharing stories with my nation, but life changed. The place I called home became unsafe, and the life I cherished became impossible to hold onto. I longed for a place where I could live with dignity, where I could find peace of mind. 

When I first arrived in Wales, I didn’t know what to expect. I had left behind everything—my family, my friends, my career in radio broadcasting—to seek safety. “At least I am in a safe place,” I told myself. But leaving behind a life built over the years is never easy. It was a painful decision, yet a necessary one. 

Wales welcomed me with warmth. Strangers showed me kindness, and slowly, I began to feel like I belonged. That kindness was transformative. It reminded me of the Sudan I once knew, the joy I thought I had lost forever. “We need kindness,” I always say. “When we find it, everything becomes easier.” I truly believe that even the heaviest burdens can be eased by simple acts of humanity. 

I refused to let the challenges of starting over to define me. Instead, I chose to give back. I began volunteering with the Welsh Refugee Council, helping others like me navigate the struggles of a new life. That work gave me a renewed sense of purpose—it gave me a way to contribute to the community that had embraced me. 

Still, there are moments when homesickness washes over me. I miss my parents, my friends, and the sense of identity I built in Sudan. But even in my longing, I find comfort in my new beginnings. Wales has given me the chance to dream again—to think of a future where I leave a meaningful legacy. 

I have big aspirations. I don’t just want to survive; I want to achieve something significant. I want to be remembered for making a difference. To me, life is about contribution. I believe that sharing our experiences and celebrating our differences makes us stronger. “We are like a plate of salad,” I say. “Tomatoes, carrots… all different, but together, we create something wonderful.” If we share our experiences, we can learn from one another, grow together, and give back to the community. 

My journey has been one of courage and resilience. Wales has given me safety, a fresh start, and the opportunity to rebuild. Through my story, I hope to inspire others to embrace newcomers and to remember that small acts of kindness can change lives. 

For me, Wales isn’t just a new home, it’s a sanctuary.