Hyeon

I come from North Korea. I traveled here alone, without any family members. I have been here for one year and four months but my English is still not good.

North Korea has many problems. There is no freedom of speech and liberty. Many people are starving everyday and we have to do what the government tells us. If people do not obey there is danger for them – even prison camp or public executions.

I think every North Korean has seen this happen to someone. We have to witness the scene even though we don't want see. People can't speak out against the authorities. Before coming to the UK, I had never heard the word human rights' in my life. I can't explain everything about North Korea because of my English, but I just want say to one sentence: it is a different world and we are not human in North Korea.

When I arrived in the UK, I was shocked by everything: the culture, different people, language and buildings. I had never seen or heard about the world and who else is living on this earth. Everything was confusing and sometimes it was hard for me to understand everything. I still get confused sometimes.

I met Hannah from REUK last year. REUK helped me to get into my school and they are supporting me every time. Hannah also found a mentor for me. The mentor's name is Anna. She helps me with my English every week.

I still meet with Hannah from REUK and she listens to me when I am worried and supports me. Also, she gives me advice about my education. Last year, I went on a trip to Oxford University – this was great for me.

For now, I am studying hard so that I can go to university and become a doctor. I did work experience for five days in Conquest Hospital in Hastings. I was quite nervous because I didn't know anything about hospitals or how they work but I was also really excited that I had a chance to have this great experience. All in all it was such a great experience and helped me understand a lot of things about medicine and gave me even more motivation.