Fun fact

I am a magnet of bringing people together, every place I go I meet new people and make more friends.

What has been your favourite experience in NSW?

The main reason I moved to Australia was that in July last year I met an Australian teacher, Lydia in the Maldives. We felt an immediate connection and continued communicating, two months later she visits me in Chile. Then I came to Australia and moved to Wollongong this year. As a teacher, she has the patience to help me, advise and support in this whole new adventure living overseas. In addition, Lydia loves outdoors, camping and bushwalks, something I grew up with and we share. It is amazing how friendly Australians can be and I received so much support from my friends, teachers and community here.

Studying English in NSW has allowed me to expand my vocabulary to be able to efficiently work with young people and improve my communication skills by creating trust with them. If you are here and alive, it is because life gave you a second chance, there is something you still need to do in this world. You can decide to help people that are in need. I decided to give back to life.

Where is your home country?

Chile

What do you study?

EAP - English Intensive Course

Where do you study?

TAFE Wollongong

What languages do you speak?

What advice do you have for other international students?

Everything happens for a reason. Follow your dreams. There is no age limit to accomplish them, I moved and started my dreams turning 38 years old and it has been my best bet. We have no restrictions other than those that we impose on ourselves. It might take a month, It might take a year, but what is meant to be will always find its way. Just keep your eyes open.

I don't feel I won the 2019 International Student Award by being the best student in the class, but being a student in life. After a life-altering accident nearly ten years ago that could have put me in a wheelchair for life, my grandma advised me: "If you are here and alive, it is because life gave you a second chance, there is something you still need to do in this world".

You can decide to help people that are in need. I decided to give back to life.

What opportunities has studying in NSW given to you?

Even though I studied a bachelor in Advertising, my dream is always to get involved in Education. To achieve this, I needed to refresh and improve my English, so I started studying EAP English Course. As soon as I stepped in TAFE, I shared this information with my English headteacher and the International Students Coordinator who offered constant support. Thanks to the support my institution provided, I found my way into youth work.

My first thoughts were to become a school teacher, but after some long conversations with the staff and coordinator from TAFE Wollongong, I realised that my strengths were more focused towards making a real difference in youths’ lives. This is how I started working in Emergency Care (Foster Kids) at SuCo Services and as a volunteer in high schools for the YWCA. In my spare time, I also connect with children via sports, as a soccer coach at Coniston Junior Soccer Club.