Guardian Emma

Becoming a guardian was never part of a plan. For me, it began as an unexpected twist of fate.

At that time, I was working for a newspaper in the UK, coordinating summer school programmes for children visiting from China. Each year, we welcomed a group of students for short-term study tours. One summer, among them was the eleven-year-old daughter of a close friend. When the programme ended, she was reluctant to leave and wished to stay longer. But her parents were far away, and she was still too young to be on her own. Out of trust, my friend asked me to look after her, and so I naturally stepped into the role of her temporary “guardian.”

She moved into my home, and that summer in England felt like something out of a painting. I took her through the streets of London, to museums, local markets, and picnics in the park. She quickly fell in love with this country; her affection for the UK seemed almost innate. Over time, she developed the idea of studying here. After thoughtful discussion, her mother formally entrusted me to be her guardian in the UK.

That was the beginning of my journey as a guardian.

What started as simple care — meals, school runs, daily life — soon grew into academic guidance and emotional support. I accompanied her through her first exam, her first parent-teacher meeting, and every half-term I picked her up from school, bringing her home and taking her to see new cities, new people, new cultures.

Beyond daily care, I wanted to give her a broader perspective. Using my connections in the UK, I introduced her to real aristocratic estates, and even arranged short stays in historic castles. Through immersion rather than sightseeing, she came to understand the traditions and etiquette of this country in a natural way. I have always believed that a child’s horizons can be opened if given genuine experiences, not just superficial impressions.

I also helped her with small but important details — even her sense of style. In China, she was used to loose, casual clothing, which sometimes made her stand out awkwardly in a British school setting. Gradually, I encouraged her to find a balance: dressing appropriately while still keeping her individuality. She used to hide behind long hair, covering half her face out of shyness. One day, I simply picked up the scissors at home and gave her a short haircut — neat, fresh, and transformative. She seemed to step into a new version of herself.

Looking back, I realise I was also growing quietly through this experience.

Guardianship is never just a title. It is a weighty responsibility. Caring for a child means more than keeping them safe and organised; it means building a bridge between the world they know and the wider world that awaits them.

That summer, I stepped into the role of a guardian — and without realising it, I also discovered a warmer version of myself.