Immersed in Asian Culture, in a Western Society.

Hi everyone! 

My name’s Mena, I’m in my second year but I’ve been at Sussex for three years now. I’m half Thai, half Bengali and I am the president of the Thai Society. Growing up immersed in Asian culture in a western society has really allowed me to see and learn the cultural differences; I was born in the UK but have been raised in a very Thai environment - I love it! However, being LGBTQ+ and BAME certainly comes with its challenges; from homophobia to racial discrimination. I once got asked if I could speak English by a teacher in secondary school, and I didn’t understand why this would even be a question - I later learnt it was because of my ‘non-English’ name and being a person of colour. Coming from a very conservative ‘white-washed’ town like Bournemouth certainly made me want to venture out to somewhere more vibrant, somewhere I could feel like myself. So I decided to move to Brighton, to attend Sussex uni. Honestly being at Sussex, and living in Brighton has definitely contributed to enhancing my confidence. I have grown so much over the last two years! To anyone new joining us here at Sussex, please know that anxieties surrounding a new environment, making new friends, feeling excluded because of your race, gender, sexuality, you will not be excluded at Sussex. I have made some of my bestest friends that I know will be friends for life. You will find yourself and you will feel at home very soon! Sussex uni is amazing with providing support, from the Student Services Unit to the on campus GP. Everyone treats you like the adult that you are and never once have I been belittled for anything. What’s more is that there’s amazing financial support for students who struggle with money. Coming from a working-class background, I have always struggled with money and the university can help with budgeting and can provide amazing financial aid if you need it. Always ask for help and never feel you can’t, because at Sussex, you can. Please don’t feel alone with anything, there’s always someone you can talk to for absolutely anything.