HOME TRUTHS: Xinhui

Xinhui is a 20 year old arts student living in Melbourne. Home has at times
had no fixed location having lived & travelled around the world from a
young age. She’s looking forward to seeing her family again in Shanghai &
planning her next adventures post Covid.

 Name: Xinhui (Joanne)

Age: 20

Lives in: Melbourne

Please answer this question … I feel at home when.. l feel relaxed and peaceful. I am also able to speak and act freely without having to worry about anything. I feel at home when I feel protected by people that l trust and more importantly, knowing that l am able to protect those people in the same way they have done with me. 

What does home mean to you? Has this changed since the COVID-19 pandemic?  

Home to me means a place where I can comfortably be with myself without being interrupted, which might sound too simple. However, I had been at boarding schools since a very young age then abroad for high school. The years away from my family had really changed the definition of home in my view. I had to deal with everything in life on my own since middle school including places to live, plane tickets, extra curriculums, etc. There was no fixed location for 'home' and making sure everything was the right way could be overwhelming. That is why sometimes I really appreciate time to myself for refreshment. I am much more used to living alone while making sure that I am feeling fulfilled and comfortable. The COVID-19 situation has given me a great amount of time to stay home which is actually a good opportunity for getting enough sleep and adjusting myself to follow a healthier timetable. I am genuinely a quiet person that does not mind staying home as there are always books to read and paintings to be done. 

Where’s home for you? 

My parents are staying in Shanghai, China and I would happily refer it as my home. However, as I mentioned, my individual 'home' never had a fixed location so I might just say places where I had lived in that allowed me to find inner peace could be called home. I believe that there will be more adventures and new homes in my future. Although part of me wants to spend more time with my parents who have given me all kinds of support that they were capable of.

What have you lost because of lockdown? Is there anything you’ve gained? 

The lockdown had surely limited my chances to hang out with friends and returning to campus. Other than that, I have missed a few flights which would supposedly get me back to China to be with my family. I have lost the chance to look for books in libraries which has caused slight difficulty in learning. However, staying home has allowed me more time to improve my painting skills which would be beneficial for the upcoming courses. I have also got in touch with friends from childhood (the ones that I haven't heard from in ages) who were also suffering from impacts brought by the COVID-19 situation. We had the best catch-up!

What’s the first thing you’ll do when there are no restrictions at all? 

Fly back to Shanghai first things first and spend some time with my family. After that I am planning on going shopping as I have a list of to-buy items including books, clothes and art supplies which I am very excited about. Then I would consider traveling. My friend and I have had the idea of travel around the world before COVID-19 and we have not stopped expecting this idea will become a reality.

Illustration Grace Lee