My Name is Chantal Therese Marie Patel. I arrived in the UK in 1974 as part of a global recruitment initiative to study nursing. Initially assigned to Bridgend, Wales, I faced challenges due to language, accent, and cultural differences. Despite these obstacles, I excelled in my nursing studies and became one of the youngest ward sisters in Wales. In 1985, I moved to Swansea while on maternity leave and, despite starting with no local connections, I soon found a community through antenatal meetings. After focusing on raising my children, I pursued a law degree, qualified as a solicitor, and became involved in teaching and mentoring at the Institute of Higher Education (now Trinity St. David’s). My career in community work includes chairing the Welsh chapter of UNESCO Bioethics and contributing to the European Bioethics Committee. I also chair the clinical ethics committee, which has been highly fulfilling.

My time in Swansea has been rewarding but not without challenges. I encountered racism, including verbal and physical harassment. To overcome these difficulties, I attended evening schools to improve my English and excelled in my nursing career. Over time, I gained confidence, especially in my board work.

I have served on various boards, initiating positive changes for the community. My roles have allowed me to make impactful decisions, contributing significantly to both local and international projects.

I co-founded the African Community Centre and currently chair the Indian Society of South West Wales, furthering my involvement in cultural and community activities. As a Medical Law lecturer at Swansea University, I advocate for fair treatment within the NHS, particularly for foreign staff facing workplace challenges.

We must acknowledge the reality of racism but not let it define or limit us. Confidence and resilience in the face of adversity are crucial. By pushing through obstacles, we can open new doors.

Young people should believe in their potential and find their niche. With persistence and confidence, they can achieve their goals

Fy enw i yw Chanel Patel. Cyrhaeddais y DU ym 1974 fel rhan o fenter recriwtio fyd-eang i astudio nyrsio. Wedi’m neilltuo i Ben-y-bont ar Ogwr yng Nghymru i ddechrau, roeddwn yn wynebu heriau oherwydd gwahaniaethau iaith, acen a diwylliant. Er gwaethaf y rhwystrau hyn, fe wnes i ragori yn fy astudiaethau nyrsio a dod yn un o brif nyrsys ward ieuengaf Cymru. Ym 1985, symudais i Abertawe tra ar absenoldeb mamolaeth ac, er gwaethaf dechrau heb unrhyw gysylltiadau lleol, buan y deuthum o hyd i gymuned trwy gyfarfodydd cyn geni. Ar ôl canolbwyntio ar fagu fy mhlant, dilynais radd yn y gyfraith, cymhwyso fel cyfreithiwr, a dechreuais ymwneud â dysgu a mentora yn y Sefydliad Addysg Uwch (y Drindod Dewi Sant bellach). Mae fy ngyrfa mewn gwaith cymunedol yn cynnwys cadeirio pennod Gymreig Biofoeseg UNESCO a chyfrannu at Bwyllgor Biofoeseg Ewrop. Rwyf hefyd yn cadeirio’r pwyllgor moeseg glinigol, sydd wedi bod yn rhoi boddhad mawr.

Mae fy amser yn Abertawe wedi bod yn werth chweil ond nid heb heriau. Des i ar draws hiliaeth, gan gynnwys aflonyddu geiriol a chorfforol. I oresgyn yr anawsterau hyn, mynychais ysgolion nos i wella fy Saesneg a rhagori yn fy ngyrfa nyrsio. Dros amser, fe wnes i fagu hyder, yn enwedig yn fy ngwaith bwrdd.

Rwyf wedi gwasanaethu ar wahanol fyrddau, gan gychwyn newidiadau cadarnhaol ar gyfer y gymuned. Mae fy rolau wedi fy ngalluogi i wneud penderfyniadau effeithiol, gan gyfrannu’n sylweddol at brosiectau lleol a rhyngwladol.

Fe wnes i gyd-sefydlu’r Ganolfan Gymunedol Affricanaidd ac ar hyn o bryd rwy’n cadeirio Cymdeithas Indiaid De Orllewin Cymru, yn ymwneud â gweithgareddau diwylliannol a chymunedol ymhellach. Fel darlithydd Cyfraith Feddygol ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe, rwy’n eiriol dros driniaeth deg o fewn y GIG, yn enwedig ar gyfer staff tramor sy’n wynebu heriau yn y gweithle.

Rhaid inni gydnabod realiti hiliaeth ond peidio â gadael iddo ein diffinio na’n cyfyngu. Mae hyder a gwytnwch yn wyneb adfyd yn hollbwysig. Trwy wthio trwy rwystrau, gallwn agor drysau newydd.

Dylai pobl ifanc gredu yn eu potensial a dod o hyd i’w niche. Gyda dyfalbarhad a hyder, gallant gyflawni eu nodau.