🇦🇺 My Australian Journey — One big tale of kindness
✈️ Arriving in Australia (2022)
I came to Australia in 2022, just after the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many international students, I came with big dreams, limited resources, and a whole lot of uncertainty.
But one thing made it all possible:
Kindness.
Kindness — from strangers, family, and colleagues — has shaped my journey and worldview in ways I never imagined.
🏠 Sydney: A Second Family
When I first landed in Sydney, I stayed with my Herry uncle — my father’s best friend — and his wonderful family. He not only paid my initial university fees, but also supported me emotionally and financially as I transitioned into this new life.
We became close — working together in his pizza shop, doing late-night store runs, and spending family time at home.
After closing the shop each night, we’d go home and play UNO together. It was my first taste of belonging in a foreign land.
That experience gave me a reference point for kindness. I promised myself that once I’m in a position to help others, I’ll pass that same kindness forward — just as he did for me.
🎓 Transition to Newcastle
After one year, I made the decision to move to Newcastle and transfer from Western Sydney University to King’s Own Institute.
🛠️ Why the Move?
- Independence – I didn’t want to overstay my welcome or burden my uncle’s family, even though they never made me feel like one.
- Cost of Education – Western Sydney University was expensive. At King’s Own Institute, fees were nearly half, allowing me to focus more on learning than surviving.
- Regional Opportunity – The Australian government encourages migration to regional areas like Newcastle through immigration benefits (PR points & more).
- Same Degree, Less Pressure – I was able to transfer into the same program, in a quieter, more affordable, opportunity-rich city.
🚛 The First Day in Newcastle — On a Truck!
During my time in Sydney, I worked at Amazon Logistics as a warehouse team member.
Amazon has a smaller warehouse in Newcastle, and I asked a truck driver if I could join the delivery trip to Newcastle to attend uni admissions and inspect housing.
He said yes.
Another act of pure kindness — and that truck ride became my first journey into Newcastle, a city that would soon become my new home.
🌱 Lessons From the Journey
Over these years, I’ve grown not just as a developer, but as a person.
- I’ve learned that behind every company, every decision, every opportunity — there are humans.
- Hiring, mentorship, feedback — it’s all shaped by relationships, humility, and connection.
- I focus not just on becoming a better software engineer, but on being a better human.
Because every good thing in my journey — from moving countries to joining SSW — has come through kind, generous people.
This journey is my reminder that we rise by lifting others. And every day, I aim to live by that — technically sharp, but emotionally present.
Australia has become more than just a destination for education.
It’s become a place of growth, transformation, and meaningful human connection.