Pieces of Advice for Immigrants: What we learned this year in Latin Stories Australia
Victor del Rio
Embrace both countries
Country of Origin: Mexico
Keep your roots alive: the roots from your home country and your new Australian roots. Both countries are providing you opportunities for unique experiences. Embrace the good things and put the bad things in perspective.
Arturo Morales
Work hard
Country of Origin: Mexico
Some people move here wanting to work as managers and start from the top; however, they have to prove themselves by working hard. You might need to start in junior roles. Work your way up by earning people’s respect with diligence and determination.
Claudia Oliveira
Uncover your true calling
Country of Origin: Brazil
I value education a lot, it has always been my greatest asset, and it is something I always carry with me. So I encourage my girls, and everyone, to pursue their education and find their paths in life.
Laura Marinesco
Enjoy the ride
Country of Origin: Argentina
Have pride in what you do, whether it’s something small or big, do it to the best of your ability. Celebrate the small wins as life is made of small moments. Remember to give yourself some leeway, mistakes are learning opportunities.
Juanita Esposto
Be grateful
Country of Origin: Argentina
In our particular case, we were very grateful for the opportunity to be here. Otherwise, we probably wouldn’t be alive. Therefore, my advice is: value the present and try not to miss what you left behind.
Hugo Salcedo
Be open minded
Country of Origin: Colombia
Be ready to embrace a new way of life and a completely new way of seeing the world. One of the biggest mistakes some new immigrants make is to try to emulate the same way of life back home here in Australia. While it is important to retain your identity, it is also important to carve out new experiences and confront new challenges.
Yunuen Perez
Be patient
Country of Origin: Mexico
atience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet” (Jean-Jacques Rosseau). However, patience is not enough, you also have to be determined. Applying to be permanent residents was frustrating, terrifying and uncertain. I must say that it was definitely not easy. The process required support from friends, counselling from experts, and lots of patience.
Claudia R. Alvarez
Don't give up
Country of Origin: Mexico
If you are feeling it is too hard to get a job in your field remember that there is a light at the end of the “local experience” tunnel.
Alirio Zarvace
Follow your dream
Country of Origin: Venezuela
Don’t let things in your way stop you from achieving your dreams, be flexible and resourceful, but keep at least one foot on the ground. Do not let your perceived difference, accent, ability, or ethnicity get in the way of your dreams. We are all humans and our stories, our voices, need to be heard.
Eyal Chipkiewicz
Contribute
Country of Origin
Look for professional gatherings and meet-ups related to your field. Instead of approaching them directly because you are looking for work, find space to contribute to them and make yourself present with constancy and willingness to learn.
Angel Calderon
Be yourself
Country of Origin: Guatemala
Be an open book and be genuine to your values, but embrace change. Be prepared for a life journey that is going to depend on your doings. Be passionate, have faith in your abilities and believe in whatever you do. I have learnt that having a good set of generic skills, being flexible and adaptable helps anyone to get by.