Finding Home in Motion: Marie’s Story 

I moved to Wales in 2015 at the age of 17. Ten years later, at 27, Wales has become the place where my life has settled and grown. 

Before Cardiff, my life was defined by movement. I was born in Hong Kong, where my father is from, and spent my early childhood there, including time at an international school. At seven, my family moved to London, where I attended a Church of England primary school. It was a cultural shift, but it gave me a sense of grounding. 

At ten, we moved again, this time to Kyoto, Japan, where I lived for eight years. I attended an international school where Japanese and English were taught equally. Growing up bilingual became central to my identity. Although my Japanese has faded slightly since living in Wales, I still feel at home when I visit and can communicate comfortably. 

Before moving to Wales, I spent a year in London living with my grandmother while completing the first year of my A levels. My family remained in Japan. I was only 16, and although it was difficult, it taught me independence and resilience. 

In 2015, my family relocated to Cardiff. It was not a decision I had much control over, but Cardiff offered affordability, a slower pace of life, and strong educational opportunities. I joined Bishop of Llandaff High School midway through my A levels. It could have been isolating, but people were welcoming, and the experience changed my perspective. I applied to Cardiff University and made it my first choice because I did not want to leave. 

University was one of the happiest times of my life. I lived with friends while staying close to my family and was fortunate to graduate before the pandemic, enjoying three full years of campus life and community. I took every opportunity available, including joining the Uprising Leadership Programme. Through it, I met inspiring people, gained confidence, and learned about civic engagement. I visited the Senedd, attended events, and began to see what leadership could look like. 

That experience led to Erasmus+ youth exchanges in Turkey, Greece, and Lithuania, focused on community building and refugee inclusion. These opportunities were available to me because I was living and studying in Wales, and they broadened my perspective further. 

After graduating, the pandemic brought uncertainty. Through the Kickstart scheme, I found work as a personal assistant to a Japanese hat designer. It was an unusual but valuable role, allowing me to use my language skills while gaining experience in communications, marketing, and administration. It laid the foundation for my career. 

Later, I joined Cardiff University as a staff member in the Physics department. The role was challenging, particularly the financial responsibilities, but returning as staff felt meaningful and marked an important step in my professional growth. 

When people ask where home is, I find it difficult to give a simple answer. Hong Kong is where I was born, and Japan shaped my formative years. But after a decade in Cardiff, Wales now feels like home too. It is where I have built friendships, developed professionally, and created a sense of belonging. 

I still miss Japan deeply — its food, traditions, and rhythms of life. I keep that connection alive by cooking Japanese food, staying in touch with friends, and visiting when I can. 

My story reflects how migration is about building bridges and finding belonging across places. Wales may not always be seen as a country shaped by migration, but the stories of those who arrive, stay, and contribute are part of its identity too.