It was a chilly morning when I first arrived in Wales. I remember stepping off the plane in the early hours, tired and slightly disoriented, feeling like an outsider in this new land. I had heard a lot about Wales before, but I still couldn’t quite picture it. After all, I had only ever imagined the UK as one big country, with London being its centrepiece. My journey from Nigeria had been driven by a desire for change, but it wasn’t just the promise of a new environment that appealed to me; it was the chance to contribute to something greater, to work toward a cause I deeply believed in. 

Before arriving here in Wales, I lived in Jos, a lovely city in the heart of Nigeria’s Plateau State. It’s a beautiful place with rolling hills, cool weather, and a close-knit community. In many ways, Jos reminded me of Wales, especially with its greenery and friendly people. I grew up there, went to school, and later returned to teach at the University of Jos. But despite my passion for medicine and the work I did in community health, something didn’t feel quite right. But an encounter in a mission hospital completely changed my perspective and I realized that clinical medicine alone couldn’t address the deeper, often socio-cultural issues that affected the people I cared for. That’s when I decided to make the move toward public health, seeking a way to make a bigger impact. 

But it was only after feeling a bit frustrated with my situation back home that I decided to look outside my country for other possibilities. The thought of a PhD in public health didn’t seem realistic—how could I afford it? But I was determined to find a funded opportunity, and after some research, I applied. That decision changed everything. A few months later, I was on a plane, heading to Cardiff to start a journey I could have only dreamed of. 

Arriving in Wales was surreal. I’ll never forget that first night when I landed at 2 a.m. The city was quiet, almost eerie, and I felt a mix of excitement and fear. The only comfort I had was the support I received from Cardiff University, which had arranged for a mentor to guide me through the arrival process. As I made my way to the student accommodation, I encountered a group of friendly students who offered to help with my heavy luggage. That simple act of kindness left a lasting impression on me. I was welcomed by people who were willing to go out of their way to help a stranger, and it made all the difference. 

Settling in wasn’t easy, though. As a newcomer to Cardiff, I was navigating the city with the help of Google Maps and asking strangers for directions. Once, I even had a jogger stop to help me find my way. These little moments of kindness were a reminder that the world wasn’t as unfamiliar as I once thought. The city itself—with its green spaces, beautiful architecture, and pleasant weather, was a breath of fresh air. I found solace in knowing that the weather here, cool and windy, was not unlike the weather back home in Jos. 

Despite these comforting aspects, there were also challenges. As an international student, finding accommodation was incredibly difficult. The private rental market was complicated, and the paperwork involved was overwhelming. But, despite the difficulties, the kindness of the people I met in Wales helped me push through. 

Though I’ve only had the chance to explore a small part of Wales, places like Bangor, Newport, and Swansea, I’ve been captivated by the landscape. I hope to visit Aberystwyth soon for a conference, and I look forward to seeing more of this beautiful country. The friendly faces and sense of community in Wales have made it feel like a home away from home, and the food, especially Welsh cakes, has been an unexpected joy! 

Yet, no matter how welcoming this place has been, I do miss Nigeria, particularly the food. There’s nothing quite like pounded yam, and I haven’t had the chance to enjoy it in over a year. I also miss the close-knit feel of my family and the ease of being surrounded by people who have known me my whole life. Though I’ve made friends here and found a community, there’s something irreplaceable about being with family and the familiarity of home. 

I’ve also noticed a gap here, one that might seem small but is actually incredibly significant, the lack of Nigerian restaurants in Cardiff! There are a few spots here and there, but it’s not the same as having that connection to home through food. If I stay in Wales long term, I’ve even thought about opening a restaurant myself, offering high-quality Nigerian cuisine. For now, though, I’ll make do with occasional visits to places like City Road, where I can find some of my favourite foods, and I’ll continue to dream about the possibility of filling that gap in the future. 

As for my research, it is at the core of my life here in Wales. I’m doing a PhD at Cardiff University, where I am focusing on the lived experiences of forcibly displaced migrant women. Wales has welcomed me with open arms, and now, I want to give back. These women’s stories matter. They are part of a larger movement in Wales, which prides itself on being a sanctuary nation for those who are displaced. Through my work, I hope to shed light on their experiences and advocate for the policy changes that will help improve their lives. 

Ultimately, my goal is to make a difference. I want to bridge the gap between clinical practice and public health, and I want to work in a way that benefits both the people of Wales and the migrant communities that have sought refuge here. It’s not just about the academic research, I want to be in the community, talking to people, engaging with them, and seeing how we can make real, tangible changes together. 

It’s been a journey of discovery, from Nigeria to Wales. And though I miss certain things about home, I’m proud of what I’ve been able to achieve so far. I’m here to learn, to grow, and most importantly, to give back. It’s never too late to chase your dreams, to take that leap, even when the path ahead is uncertain. If I can make this journey, anyone can. 

And who knows? Maybe someday, I'll be able to help make Wales a better place for all its inhabitants, no matter where they come from. Step by step, change is possible.