Written by Anna Toon
Hi everyone, I’m Anna – a first-year dental student at Newcastle University, and an international student from Singapore.
Growing up in Singapore, I was surrounded by diversity from a very young age. It’s a place where different cultures, religions, and languages exist side by side in everyday life. Celebrations like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, and Christmas weren’t just observed within individual communities. They were shared, visible, and part of the collective rhythm of society. Because of this, I never really saw diversity as something “separate”, it was simply normal.
Coming to the UK has made me reflect on that upbringing more deeply. Being in a new environment has helped me realise that inclusion doesn’t just happen naturally, it requires intention, awareness, and continuous effort. It’s not only about recognising differences, but about creating spaces where people feel comfortable bringing their full identities into the room.
That’s why being part of the NU-REN means so much to me. For me, it represents more than just a network. It’s a platform for conversations that matter, a space where experiences can be shared openly, and a community that actively works towards making the university a more inclusive place for everyone.
Through my role and involvement, I’m particularly interested in how we can translate these values into meaningful action – whether that’s through events, storytelling, or simply creating opportunities for people to connect. I believe that sometimes the most impactful change starts with small things: listening to someone’s experience, learning something new, or feeling seen in a space where you might not have before.
As I continue my journey both in dentistry and within EDI work, I hope to contribute in a way that is thoughtful, proactive, and grounded in real experiences. And through this blog, I’d love to share not just updates and events, but also reflections, stories, and perspectives from across our community.