💛 Community, Kindness & The Healer of Worlds
In a journey filled with challenges, what has carried me forward — every single time — is people.
Kindness has been my greatest teacher, and community has been my strongest support system.
🪘 Playing Tabla & Finding Spiritual Belonging
Every Saturday and Sunday, I play tabla during religious ceremonies at the local Sikh Gurdwara (temple) in Newcastle.
- It’s more than volunteering — it’s a spiritual anchor.
- I was raised in Amritsar, the spiritual capital of Sikhism, so being part of the Gurdwara connects me to home.
- Through this service, I’ve become a respected member of the community — despite being young and far from home.
I’ve made friends with several Sikh families who have welcomed me into their homes, offered meals, and shared laughter and stories.
One of the recording of me playing tabla at the Gurdwara, Newcastle.This is the power of people.
This is the power of kindness.
This is the power of community.
🏠 Roommates & Real-Life Support
For a while, I lived in a shared setup that felt more like a hostel — each person had their own room, and we barely saw each other due to work and university schedules.
But when it mattered — we showed up.
- Power cuts? Someone would always step in.
- Lockouts or emergencies? Help was always available.
- Small gestures, big impact.
It reminded me that even in solitude, we are never truly alone.
⛽ Part-Time Work at EG Fuel
Currently, I work three days a week at EG, a local service station.
It’s not just a job — it’s another place where kindness shaped my experience.
🙌 Shoutout to My Supporters
- Dean & Chloe – My interviewers and first mentors, who gave me the chance to join.
- Chloe – My first manager, who made me feel welcome from day one.
- Luke – More than a manager, he became like a brother, always accommodating my university and internship schedule.
- Catherine – My current manager, who continues to adjust shifts so I can balance work, study, and my internship at SSW.
Even my colleagues at the station have been supportive and understanding.
This role taught me discipline, humility, and gratitude.
🚗 The Kindness That Got Me a Car
One of the most impactful moments of kindness in my Australian journey came through a seemingly ordinary walk home from work — and it changed everything.
🏃♂️ Walking Miles to Work
When I moved to Newcastle, I continued working at Amazon, this time at their Newcastle warehouse.
Public transport in Newcastle is limited compared to Sydney, and the Amazon facility was far from the nearest bus stop. Every shift, I had to walk 20–25 minutes each way between the warehouse and the bus stop.
🚙 Rides from Amazon Flex Drivers
After a few weeks, some Amazon Flex drivers (most of whom were also from the Indian subcontinent) started noticing me walking. Eventually, they began offering me rides home when they had deliveries nearby.
We became familiar faces to each other, and their kindness made a huge difference.
They had no obligation to help. They just did.
Because that’s what kind people do.
🤝 First Car (on rent)
One of those drivers and I got talking. He told me about his immigration journey, the businesses he ran, and how he rents out cars for Uber, deliveries, and personal use.
At first, I hesitated.
I was barely making enough to cover tuition and bills — how could I afford a car?
But at that time (early 2023), international students were still allowed to work full-time due to post-COVID labor shortages.
So I did the math, and realized that by driving for Uber Eats, I could afford:
- The rental cost of the car
- Fuel
- And save a little extra
So I took the leap.
That rental car saved me hours of walking and waiting for buses.
I began doing Uber Eats, and it became a key part of my survival strategy.
That car helped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined:
- I got a job at EG Fuel, my current part-time role.
They asked if I had a car — and I did, thanks to the rental.
🚦 From Rental to Real — Buying My First Car
By July 1, 2023, the government reinstated the 24-hour work limit for international students.
That meant I could no longer do Uber Eats — and renting a car was no longer financially viable.
So I had to give up the rental car & took buses again
In October 2023, I finally bought my first car.
With help from:
- My family back in India
- My uncle
- Savings from Uber Eats
I purchased a reliable used vehicle, which I still drive today.
It allows me to work, travel between Newcastle and Sydney, and live more independently.
One act of kindness — a ride home from a stranger — set off a chain reaction that helped me build my life here.
🌟 The Essence of My Journey
When I reflect on everything — from university struggles to new cities, part-time jobs to professional growth — one theme shines through:
People have never let me down.
Their kindness has uplifted me during my lowest, cheered me during my wins, and held me when I needed it most.
And now, it’s who I’ve become.
I am kindness.
I am a healer of worlds.
That may sound poetic — but it’s true.
Kindness, once given to me, now flows through me — in how I help others, collaborate at work, and engage with community.
This isn’t just my journey.
It’s a testament to how human connection transforms lives.