My name is Shinhoo Park. I am 15 years old. I am from South Korea. I was born and raised there, living in a city near Seoul known for its beautiful blossoms, until I was 12 years old. Then, my family moved to China.

During my junior school years in Korea, I spent a lot of time hanging out with my friends every day. My parents, who love experiencing new things, have always encouraged us to explore the world. Because of this, we had the opportunity to travel to many countries. One of the most memorable experiences was spending two months in New Zealand. This trip not only broadened my perspective on Western countries but also sparked my interest in learning English.

I left Korea in 2020 because of my father’s job. He is the marketing director at a semiconductor company. At first, I was really reluctant to move to China because I didn't know much about the country.

My parents chose to settle in Suzhou due to the city's convenience and cleanliness. Initially, I wasn't sure if Suzhou was the best option, but now I understand why it was the right choice. Suzhou is one of the most sophisticated cities I have ever visited.

I've always had an affinity for developed cities because, in Korea, the area I lived in was a mix of modern and outdated elements. Living in Suzhou feels like a dream come true, and I hope to stay here until I graduate.

I love being a part of Dulwich College Suzhou, the school I attend in Suzhou. During my three years here, I have developed many valuable skills, such as English communication, and deepened my passion for subjects like science and arts. My school truly ignites my curiosity about everything.

While I have adapted to life in China, I do miss my home country, Korea, particularly the food. Food is the only thing I really miss about Korea. Although I can't fully understand the language here, I've adjusted well to living in China.

Furthermore, while living in Suzhou, I managed to discover some personal interests. I enjoy playing the guitar, working out, and helping my sister with her homework. Due to academic commitments, I can't pursue my hobbies as often as I'd like, but when I get tired of homework and assessments, doing what I really enjoy helps me stay motivated and make progress toward my future goals.

Object introduction:

Today, I have brought with me a toy camera that I received as a birthday present when I was six years old. The toy camera can actually take pictures. The reason why this toy camera is so important to me is that it holds many pictures of my parents and grandmother. Every time I see my grandma’s face in the photos, it reminds me that I belong to her and that she will always support me. It has been almost ten years since I got the toy camera. Everything has changed, including my grandma, my parents, and me. Thus, my memento, the toy camera, displays the history of our family unity.

The fact that I am growing older propels me to work harder and never give up. Like my grandma said, we should live our lives as the main character. To be a good daughter, grandchild, and sister, the pictures in the camera show the path I have traveled and allows me to feel empathy within my family.

One of my greatest passions is playing the drums, a journey I embarked on eight years ago when I first picked up the drumsticks. My love for percussion began in year 1, and since then, rhythm has been the heartbeat of my life. Drumming isn't just a hobby for me; it's a form of expression, a way to unleash my emotions and connect with the world around me.

Among my possessions, one holds particular significance: my drumstick. This seemingly simple object carries immense sentimental value because it's more than just a piece of wood. It's a symbol of my journey as a drummer, a tangible reminder of the countless hours spent honing my craft and the countless memories made along the way.

I received this drumstick from my mum several years ago, and it has been my faithful companion ever since. It has endured countless practice sessions, performances, and jam sessions, bearing the marks of my dedication and passion. Whenever I hold it in my hands, I feel a sense of belonging and purpose—it's a reminder that I am a drummer, a musician, and a creator of rhythm.

Through the rhythm of my drumming, I feel connected to something greater than myself. It's a language that transcends words, allowing me to communicate my deepest thoughts and feelings without uttering a single syllable. Whether I'm playing alone in my room or performing in front of a crowd, the drumstick serves as a conduit for my creativity and a symbol of my identity as a musician.

In essence, my drumstick represents more than just an object; it's a reflection of who I am and what I love. It's a reminder of the journey I've traveled and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. As I continue to explore the world of music and push the boundaries of my creativity, I know that my drumstick will always be by my side, guiding me along the rhythmic path of self-discovery and expression.

My object is a card， in others’ view, this is just a normal card but for me, this is an important card. The card comes from a cartoon, in the cartoon, there is a God you need to use 5 cards to call the god out, but often the god will not come out to help the people because no one has 5 cards at the same time, but if someone who has the 5 cards than the people will be very powerful. I have a tight-knit group of 4 best friends, though we are now scattered across different cities and even countries. The precious card I was given by one of these friends serves as a tangible reminder of our bond. This item from a beloved cartoon franchise holds deep sentimental value, as it symbolizes our shared experiences and memories.  Whenever I look at the card, I am transported back to the carefree days of hanging out with my closest pals. Though we may be physically distant for much of the year, I try to reunite with my friends during school breaks and holidays. I eagerly await the summer vacation and Chinese New Year, when we can all converge on my home in Suzhou. During these special gatherings, our group catches up over delicious meals, reminisces about old times, and makes plans for future adventures together. No matter where my future leads, I am confident that the unbreakable bonds with my closest friends will remain a central part of my life.

It has been nearly a year since I came here. I am trying to learn Chinese, but learning a new language and studying for school assessments is tough. Despite of the initial challenges of joining in to a new life in new country, I could have been able to make progress. My favorite hobby is playing games. However, I must study, so I must restrain from playing games. I also like to come together with my friends on the weekend. Since we finished our exams, we could meet whenever weekend we want.

The object that I chose is the textbook that I used in school in Korea. In there, our class usually focused on the textbooks, so it has been frequently used in the school. When I attended there, I really hated looking at these books. But since I left there, these books really helped me remind of my memories with my friends. Also, Just as I was once surrounded by the mountains of Wonju, this textbook continues to ground me in my identity and community.

I go back to Korea this summer, so it will be a great opportunity to reassemble with my friends and share memories with them. Even though I was a long distance away from my hometown, this book was a treasured touchstone to my roots and friends.

Overall, this textbook is a symbol of sense of belonging to my hometown, Korea. It represents the memories, friendships, and daily life back in the Wonju. Thanks to it, I will still be a part of the community in Wonju even though I am long miles away from there. If I had lost it, I would have lost my own identity as myself.

It has been 3 year in suzhou, I developed a variety of interests.  I enjoy listening to music and participating in sports. But I would rather play sports than listen to music. Football is my favorite sport, and I enjoy playing it with friends. I'm learning Chinese these days. While I think I still have a ways to go before I can speak Chinese fluently, I can say that my proficiency is not that bad. Speaking is the area of Chinese I want to get better at since I feel like I have a lot of communication issues when I'm around Chinese people.

My grandmother gave me the watch that I have chosen to bring with me. When I was younger, I used this watch every single day. I have a really strong connection to this watch; without it, I am nervous, therefore I have to wear it or keep it close at hand. Also, I have good memories when I have my watch with me, that I gave lots and lots of luck to me, is I love this object a lot.

Furthermore, I feel that my watch represents a significant part of my identity and self-expression. The watch I choose to wear not only tells the time but also reflects my personal style, values, and the image. Wearing this particular watch makes me feel more confident, as it has become an extension of my persona and serves as a visual signal to how I want to be perceived by others.

Even though I adapted in Suzhou, China quite well, I miss my home country, Korea a lot. Despite the fact that I have met a lot of nice friends here, I still think of my friends back in Korea and miss them often. Also, I want to meet my grandparents in Korea.

The object that I brought is this time capsule. I have had it since 2018, so it's been about 7 years. I made this with a Pringles can and decorated with coloured papers as a gift to my mom on Mother's Day. I have put letters, pictures of my mom and me, and drawings that I drew in year 4. We will need to wait until 2027 to open it, which is the year when I turn 18 and become an adult in Korea.

It is very important to me because I can remember the day I made it and gave it to my mom. Additionally, it reminds me of various memories that I have forgotten these days. This makes me to day dream for a while to picture the day in 2018. This makes me daydream for a while to picture the day in 2018. The time I spend daydreaming clears my mind and other concerns, which helps me stay positive.

This memento clearly shows that I belong to my family since it is a connection between my mom and I as a time capsule. I can't wait to actually open this and look at what's inside! I hope I would be able to remember all of the memories inside that time capsule. I will still keep it after opening this.

I have loved listening to songs since I was young. Listening to music makes me relaxed and excited, so I really enjoy it. While many of my friends like hip-hop and lively music, but I find healing in and prefer calm songs. Additionally, I am very fond of animals, especially cats. They are extremely cute and provide me with comfort. However, I cannot keep pets because my parents do not allow it. These days, many people decide to keep pets simply because of their cuteness, but I hope people will carefully consider their time and responsibility required to care for pets before deciding to keep them.

I left Korea in 2022 when I was 13 years old, and I have been living in Suzhou, China for more than two years. Due to my father's transfer from his company, I came to Suzhou. When my father informed me that ‘Do you want to move to Suzhou in China?’, and then I was somewhat afraid of living in a foreign country. Moving to another country means that everything changes, including the living environment, studies, language, and human relationships. Therefore, I initially had many concerns about migrate here, but I decided to come in order to gain new experiences. Before I am coming here, I spent time a lot of times with friends and family, visited many places in Korea, and enjoyed various foods. People gave me letters and gifts, bidding me farewell. Even when I boarded the plane to Suzhou, I could not fully grasp the reality of moving here.

Therefore, today I have brought the letters my friends wrote to me. These letters give me a sense of belonging with Korea and the people there. Although you may not be able to read them, but these letters contain my friends' support and longing for me as I moved to Suzhou, China. Whenever I look at these letters, I miss my friends and others in Korea, and it give me strength during I face challenges.

The object I chose to bring with me to Suzhou as a cherished memento is a plush doll depicting the character of Stitch, from the beloved Disney animated film Lilo & Stitch. I acquired this doll during my first trip to Japan in 2014, when I was a mere 6 years old. It was a memorable journey that I undertook with my father, and he won the Stitch doll for me from a claw machine. Since that time, this Stitch doll has become a constant companion, accompanying me during my sleep and serving as a tangible link to the fond memories of my life in Shenyang. Whenever I gaze upon the Stitch doll, it evokes recollections of the carefree days when I would playfully interact with it alongside my feline friends on my bedroom mattress. Most importantly, this precious memento reminds me of the special trip to Japan with my father, a cherished experience from my childhood that I will forever hold dear.

My memento is a perfume that my old friend gave me as a birthday gift. When I was 14, I had a best friend in my middle school. She was not in a very wealthy situation, so we used to eat tteokbokki, a cheap street snack, on each of our birthdays. The last birthday I spent with her was a little different. She gave me a small sample of 'Do Son' perfume from Diptyque, which I really wanted to buy. She said that although she could only give me a sample of this perfume, she would buy me the whole bottle later, when we both become adult. She wanted to make my last birthday a little different because I was moving to Suzhou. It is precious to me because I can recall her and the fragrant scent of my middle school whenever I smell this perfume. It feels a lot better when I smell the scent, when I feel bad.

Over the course of the past decade, Suzhou has truly become a second home to me. While I do miss certain aspects of life in Taiwan, I have grown to deeply appreciate the unique culture, cuisine, and way of life here in Suzhou. It's been an enriching experience getting to know this city and its people.

Aside from my academic studies, I have a few hobbies and interests that I am passionate about. Music has always been a big part of my life - I have been playing the piano for many years, and more recently, I have also taken up the viola. The rich, resonant tone of the viola has captivated me, and I find great joy in practicing and performing with this instrument. Another sport I enjoy is badminton - there's something so exhilarating about the fast-paced rallies and friendly competition. And of course, I can't forget to mention my beloved dog, who is a constant source of companionship and happiness in my life.

The object that holds the most personal significance for me is my viola. I received it for the first time when I began taking viola classes, which was a new and exciting venture for me. It was a gift from my mother, who has always been incredibly supportive of my musical pursuits. Learning to play the viola with a bow and mastering various technique skills has become a cherished pastime that helps me de-stress and express myself creatively.

This instrument represents a profound sense of belonging for me, as it was the first one I truly dedicated myself to learning. The viola has opened up a whole new world of musical exploration and expression. When I play, I feel a deep connection not only to the instrument itself, but to the broader community of musicians that I've become a part of. The viola has truly become an extension of who I am, and I am grateful to have it as a means of artistic fulfillment in my life.

My phone has become an integral part of how I connect with the world and feel a sense of

Belonging. The social media is the most important part that make me feel belonging when I was using my phone, because I can talk with my friends from other schools or cities, even we can not meet. Also I can know what lifestyle about the people from other countries. However, I often play games with my friends on my phone or ipad, it is a very good way to make me and my friends be closer. I also use my phone to research many thing that I don’t understand, or translate. It really helps me when I am studying. When I was hanging out with my friends, I can easily to connect with my family, so I feel more safety.

One of my main hobbies is listening to music. I have a diverse taste in music, ranging from K-pop to indie rock, and I find great joy in discovering new artists and genres. There is just something so fulfilling about immersing myself in new musical discoveries. It’s an awesome way for me to relax. Recently, I found an addictive song “Odoriko” by Vaundy. Exploring new music is a never-ending journey for me.

In addition to my love for music, I'm grateful to have made several Korean friends here in Suzhou. Having that connection to my home country and culture makes me feel a stronger sense of belonging, even while living abroad. Sharing conversations and laughter with my friends has become the happiness of life. 

The object that I brought here is a cup with a group photo. It is such an object that is very special to me. The cup has an image of me and my class on it. I got this back in 2015 when the Parents' Association at my school gave it to me.

I like to display this cup in my room. It's important to me as it's a gift I received in my first year of school. Taking the class photo with all my classmates was a memorable experience from those early school days.

Even though I'm no longer in touch with most of those classmates, and I'm currently living in China instead of Korea, this cup helps me feel connected to that time. It represents a sense of belonging I had when I was part of that school community.

Seeing this cup reminds me of how special those first years of school were. It's a little piece of my history that I'm proud to display and reflect on. This simple gift has become quite meaningful to me over the years.

The reason why I’d choose my phone because I can contact other people online and it is really convenient also it can let me keep in touch with friends who are not in the same country. This constant connection can make you feel included and supported. When I use my phone and I feel really safe when I have a phone with me

Choosing a phone as the thing that makes you feel a sense of belonging makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Here’s why:

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Also Phones give me a chance to access to social media where you can keep up with what’s happening in the world, share your own moments with your friends or share it to the public, and be part of different communities. Whether it’s Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, tiktok these platforms help me feel like I am a part of a bigger group with shared interests and experiences.

My phone is like a mini entertainment center and library all in one. You can watch videos, listen to music, play games, and read articles or books. Being able to dive into content I love can make me feel connected to larger cultural trends and communities.

 In emergencies, having a phone can be a lifesaver. I can quickly get help or stay informed about what’s going on. Knowing I have this safety net adds to my overall feeling of security and belonging.

All in all, for me a phone isn’t just a gadget—it’s a crucial part of feeling connected and grounded. It links me to people, information, and my  personal world in a way that makes me feel like I am truly belong.

My family chose to live Suzhou because of my grandparents living here and because It's a really good place to live. Before I came here, I used to go to school and play with my friends. know that I’m here I spend more time studying as school is harder here mainly because it's in english and it took me a while to get used to it. It was also hard for me to feel included as I didn't speek english very well which made it more difficult for me to socialise with other.

Next to my school and friends, I also have some hobbies. Some of them are more about sport such as tennis and rugby. I also enjoy playing piano. I'm also enjoying electronic and how to create different electronic circuits from it. these hobbies really helps me desstressing after a long day. It's also a way of passing time for me.

The object I bring is my beret. This is because this show my nationality and really make me feel like I belong to France.It shows how I have a different culture to others and what differentiate me from them. It’s also makes me feel like I’m a part of a community of rugby who is all across the world. This beret was given to me by my father when I was 5 years old when I went to see my first rugby match.