» Read the Mandarin version of this story

Author: Liu Ran
Storyteller: Liu Ran
Community Language School: Wollongong Mandarin School
Main School: to be added

Growing up in Australia.

Almost 14 years ago I was born in Guang Dong, China. For the first 3 years of my life I lived mainly with my parents in the Chao Yang Province. Just after the birth of my oldest sister in 1991 I left with my parents to come to Australia.

When I first came to Australia, my parents spoke very little English and I spoke even less. But within 3 years I had nearly mastered the language at the expense of Cantonese! My English is now good but my spelling is still suspect.

When I was 6 – 10 years old, I was fat and unfit. But ever since year 5 my fitness and strength have improved and now I am a very good athlete.

I am now 13 years old and live in Wollongong. But much has happened within these 13 years in which I have walked the earth. I have grown much, both mentally and physically, yet there is still much growing to be done.