On Sunday, July 28th, 2024, we went on a walk that was unlike anything we’d ever done before. It wasn’t just about walking through the beautiful Beacon Hill Country Park—it was about celebrating who we are, where we come from, and the freedom to be ourselves.
The day started at 12 p.m. We met in the lower car park, and you could feel the excitement buzzing in the air. We were surrounded by women and children of different ages, all South Asian like us, but each person’s story was unique. Some people wore clothes that showed off their cultural heritage, while others came in comfy walking gear. It was clear that the theme of this year’s South Asian Heritage Month, ‘Free to Be Me,’ was already being embraced.
We kicked off the event with the walk itself. The weather was perfect—warm but with just enough of a breeze to keep us comfortable. As we walked up the hill, we looked around and saw families, groups of friends, and even solo walkers, all enjoying the stunning views and nature.
But this walk wasn’t just about getting some fresh air. It felt like a journey into ourselves. Along the way, we heard stories from people about how they learned to embrace their cultural identity. Listening to these stories made us realize that being South Asian isn’t just about tradition or where you come from. It’s also about the journey of accepting every part of yourself, even the bits that feel different from others around you.
Exploring ‘Free to Be Me’
After the walk, everyone gathered for a picnic. We brought some of our favourite foods—samosas, sandwiches, and fruit—and sat on picnic blankets under the trees. This was our chance to talk more about what ‘Free to Be Me’ really means.
For us, ‘Free to Be Me’ is about finding the balance between our two worlds. We’re proud of our South Asian heritage, but we also live in the UK, where things are different. Sometimes it feels like we have to be one or the other, but on this walk, we realized that we don’t have to choose. We can be both.
The picnic felt like a celebration of that freedom. We shared stories with others about times we’ve felt proud of our cultural roots and moments where we’ve struggled to fit in. There were lots of laughs, a few deep conversations, and a lot of encouragement to embrace who we truly are.
Why It Mattered
This walk wasn’t just a regular Sunday event. It was a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come in accepting ourselves. We left Beacon Hill feeling inspired—not just by the stories we heard but by the people we met, each walking their own path of self-expression.
We also felt proud of our culture in a way we hadn’t before. Being South Asian is something to celebrate, and this walk reminded us that we’re not alone in navigating the challenges of growing up with multiple identities.
If we could sum up the day in one sentence, it would be this: Being ‘Free to Be Me’ means owning who you are, no matter where you come from or where you’re going. And that’s something worth celebrating.
By Amber (14) and Daya (13)
