Tell me about a time you took part in a celebration that wasn't really 'yours' — a different family, culture or community.

A natural way to answer

A colleague once invited me to a festival her community holds every year. I was worried about not knowing the customs, but everyone was so welcoming that those nerves quickly melted away. Being on the inside of a tradition I'd only ever read about really opened my eyes to how much it meant to them.

Key phrases to use

• took me under their wing — to look after and guide someone, especially a newcomer“The older staff took me under their wing.”
• got into the swing of it — to become comfortable and start enjoying an activity“Once I got into the swing of it, I loved it.”
• opened my eyes — to make you suddenly aware or understand something you hadn't before“Travelling opened my eyes to other ways of living.”
• brought a lump to my throat — to make you feel close to tears with emotion“Their kindness brought a lump to my throat.”
• shut the door on — to exclude someone or refuse a possibility“We shouldn't shut the door on newcomers.”