The initial thought of moving to Shanghai, was, for my 15-year-old self, incredibly daunting. At the time, I was preparing to leave behind London after four years to head back home to Australia, so the thought of having to make yet another fresh new start definitely took me out of my comfort zone. I had lived in Shanghai when I was young, but almost all of my old friends had since left, and everybody seemed to tell me just how much the city had changed since we were last there. Furthermore, this move would be my family’s first time living apart. For the first time in my life, it would only be my mum and me, as my brothers and dad had decided to stay behind both for university and work. Despite my uncertainty, however, I looked towards my move with enthusiasm, and with the spirit of new beginnings.

Sitting in the taxi on the way to my new home from the airport, I let the blur of city lights wash over me. The city had welcomed me with open arms, its vibrancy beckoning me closer, warming me. The new culture that surrounded me filled me with excitement, stirring up memories from when I was small that I forgot I had. Settling into school life at YCIS Shanghai was also easy, I was making new friends every day. With my past fears forgotten, I felt ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead of me.

Studying in Shanghai and at YCIS already has not only provided me with an amazing opportunity to pursue my passions but has also developed my understanding of the interconnectedness of the world, especially through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Even though I have only been living here for two months, Shanghai is already on the map of places I can call home.

By Seonaid, Year 12, YCIS Puxi Secondary.