My name is Michael Joel B. Apas from the Philippines! Since I was young, it has been my dream to explore the vastness of the world including learning different cultures and meeting people of different backgrounds. Even if you look at my graduation book, it states there that I wish to be a linguist. Diversity-it has been at the forefront of my interest. Hence, being in the United Kingdom to work as a nurse has been a deep honour.
As far as diversity is concerned, as I go through life, I have been labelled with different terms such as being Gay, People-pleaser, a show-off, a Panicky Guy, too sweet, or even another package from the Philippines.
It was during the pandemic time that I arrived here in the UK. It was a hard-hitting adjustment having less social support systems and no diaspora group in the area. On top of that, I felt home sickness, and I was left struggling in a job with minimal support. Due to this, I started doubting myself-to the point in my communication skills in the English Language.
I found myself struggling to understand different jargons, finding the thick accent difficult to understand. And worse, being told that I would not survive working in the UK.
In winter 2021, days gets heavier, things get worse and worse -until I was diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety requiring therapy and medication.
When things got improved, I realised about going back to my roots as a Filipino, it will lead me back to my core and as to who I really am..
…That the labels that was associated as my weakness, is actually my STRENGTH.
Just like Mary Seacole, our differences should never hinder us to help others. Her values moulded me to break the cycle, be more compassionate and accepting, and most of all…to be strong.
In the words of Mary Seacole, our setbacks are a great leveller and our mutual suffering and endurance made us all friends.
There is a Mary Seacole budding in each and every one of us.
Our story is our core and that story needs to be told.
