William Nguyen (Vietnam) - Canley Vale High School

Growing up, I never imagined leaving my hometown to study abroad at such a young age. However, a family trip to Sydney in 2017 completely changed my life. At 15, I started a new life in a foreign country without my parents. I was super shy and nervous when I first arrived in Australia because I didn't speak much English and found it hard to fit in due to the cultural differences. But despite the obstacles, I never gave up.

With hard work, perseverance, and the support of my family and mentors, I overcame the challenges and have been accepted into my dream course at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). My journey as an international student has been challenging, but it has also been incredibly rewarding.

So, how did I do it?

My education journey started at the Intensive English Centre (IEC) at Cabramatta High School, where I completed an Intensive English Program for a year in preparation for high school. I then transferred to Canley Vale High School to begin Year 9.

The first six months of my schooling in Australia were the most difficult period of my life. I still remember myself as a homesick 15-year-old, struggling with a language barrier, and with feelings of loneliness and isolation. But I was lucky to have the support of my teachers and International Student Coordinators who helped me overcome the obstacles and prepared me for high school. My teachers were so patient as they would break down hard questions so that I could understand. They also checked on my wellbeing often to see if I was okay with school.

During my studies at Canley Vale High School, I was elected to represent the student body in the school Student Representative Council. I also organised wellbeing and charity events such as R U OK Day to raise mental health awareness and World's Greatest Shave to fundraise for the Leukaemia Foundation. Moreover, I volunteered with Fairfield City Council and NSW Cancer Council to assist with their major events such as Cabramatta Moon Festival and Fairfield Relay4life. My involvement within the school and local community allowed me to hone my leadership and communication skills while providing much-needed support to local communities. As a result, I was very honoured to be awarded the Australian Defence Force Leadership Award and was selected as one of the three finalists for the 2022 NSW International Student of the Year Award.

Out of all my achievements, I am most proud of being selected as an International Student Ambassador for NSW government schools. Getting to know inspiring people who work for the NSW government and meeting other alumni who have achieved great accomplishments, was one of the best things I've ever done.

To all future international students, here's a piece of advice for you - don't be afraid to ask your teachers any questions you have about school or academics. They're always ready to help you out whenever you're unsure or confused about something. Also, try getting involved in extracurricular activities and your local community! It's a great way to make new friends, develop your social skills, and get support when you need it. Trust me, it'll make your whole experience much more enjoyable!

In conclusion, my journey as an international student in Australia has been filled with challenges. But I never gave up; instead, I worked hard, stayed determined, and got involved in my school and local community. And it has all paid off, as I have achieved my dream of being accepted into my desired course at UNSW. Now, I am on my way to becoming a teacher who inspires others.