“I had always been a sharp student in life and dreamt big dreams for myself. So when I felt things were not exactly moving the way I thought it would, I became this edgy person who longed to have a change and start afresh. That was when someone suggested I should try moving to Australia since the education system, and job opportunities were on the rise. I didn’t have any concrete plans, so I decided to take my chance and arrived here in the summer of 2007. It wasn’t like I had an open door waiting for me. I was standing at the airport at around 11 PM when I saw this guy looking at me. He could see that I was feeling a little out of place and may need a little help. He asked me if he could give me a drop, but I didn’t know where to go. When I could not think of anything else, I decided to visit a temple. That guy dropped me at the nearest bus stop, and that’s when the trouble started. I jumped into the wrong bus and was lost. Luckily, the same bus who had dropped me off, was on its way back when the driver saw me standing there. He offered to help me, kept my luggage on the bus and dropped me at the right place even though it wasn’t his route. That’s how I spent my first night in Australia. I lived in a Sikh temple for two months, where I made some new friends. We used to derive our motivation from one another. It felt like we are all one at our very essence. I took up this car-wash job as I wanted to ensure the cash flow was coming in, and I could continue to afford a table of food. It was a tough job, and on some days, I would work non-stop. I knew it was never going to be a smooth ride, but I also believed that my breakthrough was on the way, and the current situation was just a temporary game. I did a cookery course, took a fruit-picking job and worked hard at everything I could find for myself. Eventually, I got enrolled in the engineering course while sustaining a living from driving a Taxi. I knew my destination was still afar, but my determination was always on track. After completing my education, I started looking for a job. With a laptop by my side, I would keep checking LinkedIn after dropping off passengers and apply at all the relevant places. Just when I thought things are falling into place, God decided to throw me another curveball. When I finally grabbed an interview, my visa reached its verge of expiry. I remember facing the interview with a constant fear of being rejected. After carefully assessing my aptitude for the role, the manager assured me that they would look after my visa situation and sponsor me. I will never forget that day. It reaffirmed my faith in God. I landed in 2007 and bagged this job which could finally bless me the life I dreamt of, in 2017. The journey of a decade has made me a more rounded person. I am always thankful for what I have now. I still learn something new every day, and I challenge my limits. I am constantly evolving, and I am proud of it. My advice is to always hold on to your dreams, stay true to them. Australia is the place that gives wings to your life, career and ambitions. It can provide you so much if only you strike the right balance of patience and hard work!”