Maktub Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 So G’day to you all! Please bear with me as this is a LONG one! But I hope to make it as personal, entertaining, heartfelt and relatable as possible! I have, ever since I can remember, wanted to emigrate to NZ or Aus. I think it all started with a boy...hehe sounds like a bad romance movie…in primary school. His parents emigrated to Aus, and I remember our fabulous teacher making their whole journey a theme at school. This is where my interest started. But, that being said, my amazing parents played a bigger role. I have been blessed with amazing parents who always stressed the importance of dreams and goals. We used to write them down, and amongst being a prima ballerina, a vet, a princess, a doctor… there was always the goal to experience life in another country. I still set goals and have dreams…and this practice still serves me immensely! When I was in my final year at varsity, my parents made the leap to emigrate to NZ. It was, unfortunately, terrible timing for me. I had just been accepted to do my honours in a sports science in SA…and there was a bf. My parents decided to take up the opportunity to go…and I was going to finish my honours year and then join them. It all seemed so perfect, and my parents went over. But sometimes life and higher powers intervene. This is where I fully learnt the meaning of the saying “things happen for a reason”. My mom had passed her medical in SA to go to Aus, but within months of moving over my mom went for a mammogram in NZ, and they found very early stage breast cancer. I have absolutely no doubt that if my parents had not gone over to NZ they would not have found the cancer so early. To this day I firmly believe the only purpose of that first emigration was saving my mom’s life. She had all her treatments in NZ…but unfortunately my parents had to move back to SA. It was just so emotionally and physically draining for our whole family, and SA was the best place to be after such a year. We all needed our comfort zone. The shocking “low” of going through something so terrifying in a foreign country after the “high” of a successful emigration is enough to send anyone running! When they came back it was at the end of my honours year, and since I then could not go over to NZ I went to work on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. It was the most amazing time, but I knew it was not for forever. I returned to SA after the stint…and promptly settled into a rut. I felt that SA had changed so much (or maybe I had changed), and honestly, my career was at a dead-end. I moved in with the BF and started my masters degree so that I would be better qualified in my field. I also started tutoring/lecturing at the varsity part-time and was hoping for a full-time post. It was then that my parent s started the emigration process to NZ for the second time. They where successful, and we all got the PR in our passports…but honestly I think we where all still too shell-shocked from the previous time to take it up. My parents had also moved to Botswana in the interim and where very happy there. I was still with the BF at the time too. The final date for emigration came and went… We settled back into African life, and I think we where all at a place that we where happy to just let the emigration dream lie for a while. I, however, became increasingly frustrated with my work situation. It was very obvious to me (and I was blatantly told) that I needed to start looking for another job as I would not get full-time work in the varsity department for political reasons. I was heartbroken. This was in October of 2012. I had no idea what my next step would be. I considered soooooo many options (moving to another country being one…but I literally had no money, and my skill is not on any shortages lists). Out of the blue, in November 2012, I then received a full scholarship and bursary to do my PhD in Australia. A professor at an Aus varsity had made contact with me requesting my CV and study history…I sent her everything on the Monday, and by the Friday I had been accepted! I was incredibly surprised and lucky and appreciative of the opportunity! This is a country that needs and values specialists in sport…and has the funding to boot! I was incredibly lucky to get the offer, and easily got a post-graduate research visa. Within 3 months I went from broke and not able to find satisfactory work, to being in Australia studying and working at a fantastic sports research centre! It was not easy, especially since I did not see it coming. But this forum helped immensely (especially the info about IOM)! I had to leave everything behind in a flash…but I would do it all again in a heartbeat! Even the part where I found out that my “supportive” bf of 6 years cheated on me in my last week in SA, and then breaking up with him on the evening of my flight to Aus (would NEVER wish that upon anyone). I have a long way to go yet…but at least I am here! My visa is valid for 3 years, where after (according to some changes made this year I think…still got to do some research) I qualify for another visa to stay in Aus for 4 years because I did a PhD here. Either that, or it will be straight to application for PR. Either way, I never see myself back in SA…my parents will hopefully join me here….and I hope to someday hand in my SA passport and call myself an Aussie! I am only 25, and doing this all alone...but I hope that gives each and every one of you some extra motivation! If you want something bad enough you will not be disappointed...life just works in funny ways sometimes...you are given what is meant to be for your life, and not even your own plans can get in the way. It will all work out BETTER than you think! It has been a whirlwind of note…but I must say that I could not have made a better decision. I did not know anyone in Ballarat, and had never been to Australia…but I have never settled somewhere new so easily!!! This was meant to be! Maktub~ It is written. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadEnoughofJuju Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 I have to agree with you, things happen for a reason. If we knew some of those reasons up front I don't think we would ever leap in faith. We are giving up everything we know and love to give our child a better future and all I can hope for is that it works out. Your story is inspirational and a testament to the fact that nothing is impossible and if you want it badly enough you will make it happen. Your parents did their best to emigrate but it was not meant to be at the time, hopefully they will be able to join you soon. This opportunity has come along at the right time for the right reasons and you will do well with you attitude and determination.I look forward to reading more and wish you all the best in your journey to PR. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rikamarie Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Thanks for sharing your storyu. It was a fantastic post to read. I am so very happy for you! I can't wait to start our new life in Australia. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sianvz Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Wow what an interesting story! Sounds like you've got an amazing life ahead of you and so much to look forward to 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Good luck, may this new part of your journey meet all your wishes and dreams! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyebrow Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Thanx for your story. Hope things get better as you go along!Please let us know how you get on, and all your experiences. It is so great to hear this from people as they live it!Take care 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lyn Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 What a wonderful opportunity for a 25 year old. I have always firmly believed that God works in mysterious ways.Wishing you all the very best, 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Thank you for sharing your story, I wish you all the happiness that I know is waiting for you here. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maktub Posted March 12, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2013 Thanks for all the well-wishes!!! Please let us know how you get on, and all your experiences. It is so great to hear this from people as they live it!I will do! I found the posts of recent arrivals the most interesting before I came, so I want to return the favour! Lots to tell already!Looking forward to helping others, and to following your stories and experiences too! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaandPaul Posted March 15, 2013 Report Share Posted March 15, 2013 such a beautiful post, thanks so much - brought tears to my eyes. Good luck with your PhD and it certainly sounds like you are making your life what you want it to be! Go for it!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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