Navigating the world with a dual identity
My parents were born and raised in Sri Lanka, moving to the UK in their 20s after fleeing the civil war. My dad worked extremely hard and studied Engineering at the University of East London, managing to secure a job after graduating, with three children at home.
The NHS has always been a pivotal part of my life. My dad was diagnosed with kidney failure when I was in year 7. However, the support we received was impeccable. One fond memory I have is the cheese sandwiches the nurses would give my dad after a hospital visit, he would always give my siblings and I a slice. We would also always accompany my mum to appointments and translate for her and make sure she was comforted and finding comfort in being with her ourselves. I always felt proud to help my parents. Little did I know, I would be working for the NHS years later.
It can be difficult at times, trying to figure out what is right for you and what is not. I remember happening across the term ‘dual-identity’, and feeling as though I understood myself a bit more. I wanted to fit into standards set by both cultures. It took me a while to realise who I wanted to be and I still am figuring this out.
The world can be a very difficult place to navigate but I really am grateful for the guidance from my parents. Coming to a new country, learning the language, educating themselves and never making my siblings and I feel any less must have been a challenging task. This also set a precedent of how I wanted to be. Making sure I make them proud and work hard to prove to them what a wonderful path they have engraved for us to succeed. This can also place immense amounts of pressure, where successes sometimes feel as though they are not enough. I go by the mantra that every success, big or small, is something to be proud of. Even failures showcase your determination to try again.
South Asian Heritage month also represents the diaspora children. Those of us who can feel misplaced at times but slowly figuring out how to find ourselves in the process.
By Tharsa Sakthipakan