STUDENT RUBS SHOULDERS WITH POLITICIANS

Parliament House, Canberra

My name is Raquel and I'm from Brazil. I arrived in Australia at the end of 2010 to do a Masters degree in Engineering.

After I arrived I realised that in order to do my studies and get a good job I still had a lot of work to do to improve my English.  I was uncertain about my priorities; should I study and work at the same time? Also there were cultural differences that I needed to adjust to before I felt confident for a job interview.

In August 2014 I started to study English with the AMEP by Distance Learning and I have had the opportunity to improve my writing, speaking and grammar with the help of my DL teacher, Ross.  One good thing about the course was that my communication skills improved and I was confident to go for a job interview.

In December last year I saw a position available on the Parliament House website for work with the Senate and I felt confident to apply.  I was invited for an interview.  Luckily a few weeks later I got a phone call informing me that I have been successful.

Wooww...My husband and I were very excited and I told my family back in Brazil straightaway.  They were very proud and happy and gave me their congratulations. I am very thankful that God has given me this opportunity.  Now I am working at Parliament and I have found the work very interesting. I get the chance to meet a lot of famous people.

Although I am considering going back to Uni and finishing my Masters, this is a decision that just the future can tell.

Congratulations Raquel on your wonderful achievement.  We wish you continued success in Australia.

Has the DL program helped you with your life or career goals? 

Have you got a story to share? Why not send it to us through your DL teacher and inspire others!