UJ STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS STUDENT GUIDE 39 The transition to Australia was a bit challenging. I only knew one person. As much as they helped with settling in, I was still starting over socially. Professionally, it took about two months to find a job. That was difficult, as the cost of living is quite high. Both professionally and personally, I struggled to fit in; especially with people who have different lived experiences than mine. Almost two years have passed, and this has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I now have a community of South African expats who support each other, and I’ve developed strong friendships. Working at CHS exposed me to people from all walks of life. This built adaptable skills; skills that have helped me connect and socialise with people I meet for the first time. The advice I would give to students is this: whatever you are going through will pass. I am working in Australia and living a life I never imagined for myself, but my journey wasn’t easy. It took me seven years and two universities to complete a three-year degree. Before I worked for major banks, I worked for two companies that weren’t aligned with my aspirations. Before I moved to Australia, I was in a financial crisis. The one sure thing about time is that it keeps moving. By the time you look back, things are better. Do not give up on yourself. Keep moving, and you will make it. Motto: "Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it." – Charles R. Swindoll
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