Growing up in a Tibetan family shaped many parts of who I am. Our festivals, our traditions and our way of seeing the world are deeply connected to warmth, togetherness and respect. When I came to Australia to study, I realized that my culture did not stay behind in China. Instead, it followed me quietly, like a soft part of my identity that I carry in my heart.
I do not have many photos from my cultural celebrations here because most of my daily life is focused on study and settling into a new environment. But sometimes, small moments remind me of home. There was a day when my landlord, Maureen, gave me a beautiful hanging decoration that looked similar to the ones we use during festivals. She was interested in Tibetan culture, and she told me she wanted me to feel comfortable and welcomed. That moment touched me deeply because it showed me how kindness can cross cultures.
Even though there are times when I miss home, I am grateful for the chance to grow and to understand my own identity better. Living in another country taught me that culture is not only something you celebrate during festivals. It is something you carry inside your heart every day. It shapes the way you think, the way you treat others and the way you move through the world.
My Tibetan culture is still with me, even here on the Gold Coast. And I hope that as I continue my journey, I will keep learning how to balance my roots with the new experiences I am discovering in Australia. Both sides are important, and together they make me who I am.
