Paola Vacarez
“I decided to trust that I could count on myself”
Paola Vacarez
Country of origin: Colombia.
Occupation: Psychologist at Momentum Psychology and Wellbeing Services. State of Residency: Victoria. Favourite place in Australia: The Grampians with its majestic views, the stunning rocks and its adventurous hiking trails. Upon arrival to Australia: surprised by being able to see the moon and the sun perpendicular to each other at the same time in the sky and the clear stunning milky way.
By Cristina Abela
Paola is a psychologist working in private practice, providing counselling and mental health support to people from the broader Victorian community, with a high emphasis on the Spanish speaking community, including migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, international students and visitors. In 2014 she started Momentum Psychology and Wellbeing Services as a response to the increasing need for Spanish speaking migrants to have access to mental health services. She provides information, and educates migrants and international students about their rights to access care.
TELL US YOUR STORY
In 2007 I was going through my own personal dilemma of staying close to my beloved family and friends or to venture into unknown places and experiences. I had been working as a psychologist in Colombia for four years and I felt so happy working with my community, however there was this ‘something’ inside calling me to explore other paths. So, my husband Juan and I decided to travel to an exotic place. I was impressed with the infinite opportunities that Australia had to offer and watching Australian wildlife TV shows was a great motivator and an introductory course on what you can find here.
We embraced the idea of going to study English, to live an adventure in the multicultural city of Melbourne - which is a hub for sports, cultural and endless activities - where there is always so much to discover and to keep a sense of awe. I was motivated to get the most of this adventure. Every single achievement was a treasure I acquired: a new word I learnt, a new conversation I had, a new friend I met, and a new place I discovered. Even the discomfort, because it was part of a bigger purpose, enriched my life with new challenges and experiences.
As part of dancing group: Tunjos y Cantaros (2013)
While studying English I fell so much in love with this country that I decided to continue my studies. In 2011 I finished a Master of Social Work at RMIT University and also received the great news about obtaining our permanent residency. With those great achievements, the challenge of starting a professional life for me started. After working as cleaning supervisor, babysitter and doing my placements as a social worker student I started my job search. I was extremely lucky that within a few weeks I found a job as a case manager in the homelessness sector - one of the most vulnerable populations in Australia - working alongside a wonderful team of caring, committed and compassionate mates! I am so grateful that this was my first professional experience in Australia, because it taught me how to navigate different systems in Australia. It showed me the advantages and the disadvantages of being part of a society in a developed country.
In 2013 at the “September Chilean festival” I met the amazing founder of Refuge of Hope, Angelica Correa. We got along great and she told me about the need she had seen for mental health support in the Latin American community. This was the beginning of the journey towards what it is today Momentum Psychology and Wellbeing Services. During my time as a psychologist in Australia, I have been blessed by being able to work in a variety of settings including: primary and high schools, a group practice with other amazing psychologists, nursing homes and also in the delivery of community projects and support groups with Refuge of Hope and Latin Stories Australia.
CHALLENGES
Believing in my potential - During the first months in Australia, I thought my English skills were not good enough to do a master. I started looking for courses that were ‘easier’, not necessarily what I wanted. After a thorough negotiation with myself, I decided to work on improving my English, it did not have to be perfect. Initially, I felt so frustrated because there was so much I wanted to share but felt so limited. I learnt that it is not what I am incapable of doing today what creates limitations for me, but my lack of confidence on the potential I can achieve. Therefore, I decided to trust that I could count on myself.
End of the year lunch with the team at Momentum Psychology and Wellbeing Services (2019)
Opening a business - There is so much to learn when embarking on a new business that it gets overwhelming. I sought help, mentoring, and read hundreds of resources. I have always believed that information gives power.
Distance from family – It is not easy to say goodbye to people I love, missing on special occasions, wanting to be there and here, having my heart at two places I call home. However, I remind myself that our love goes beyond any borders.
CONTRASTS
Elderhood - I was taken aback when I realised that many people in Australia spend their last days of their lives in a nursing home, where they are looked after by professionals and family and friends can visit. I know the intention is to ensure their safety, but as a Colombian the idea of having those vulnerable members away from their families is hurtful. In my country the majority are looked after by their children or other people who love them.
Sense of security - Feeling safer when walking down the streets, not seeing armed robberies as a rather common occurrence and having lost property returned, including mobile phones and even cash, is such a contrast compared to Colombia. Unfortunately, given to the social disadvantage and inequity, incidents like these tend to occur more often in there.
Weather - I miss the countless sunny and warm days in my hometown. I have come to embrace the cold days of Melbourne as an opportunity to engage in different winter activities, to get cosy and to enjoy some quiet time.
PIECE OF ADVICE
Understand others’ stories - The experiences other people have had can provide insight about a place or an experience; however, always taking into account that we all are biased by what we live and how we see and act in life. Therefore, remember their stories do not show how your journey is going to be in here.
Connect with what you want in life - Once you know what you want to achieve, the journey makes sense. It may take some time, it may at certain point feel difficult to achieve, but if you know where you are heading towards, and you are convinced you want to get there, you would be more committed to doing your part to make it happen.
You are not alone - The world may be seem as a scary place if you see yourself all alone, regardless of whether you know anyone here. You have many possibilities of developing relationships, friendships, work relationships, and engagement with support services that would add to your sense of connectedness and belonging. As humans we thrive in connection with others, this is food for our souls. Remind yourself to connect with family or friends either living in Australia or overseas. Give yourself permission to reach out.
At The Grampians, my favourite place, with my husband (2020)
IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS…
Paola sees herself spending more time in nature, travelling to places to learn about new cultures and trying new cuisines. She sees herself deepening her knowledge in psychology by continuing her studies. She would like to be part of more community projects that promote mental health and wellbeing, particularly those related to prevention of inter-generational trauma. Finally, she would love to continue spending lots of quality time with people she loves and cares about.