Bingbing passes the test

https://www.ielts.org/

My name is Bingbing and I come from China. I have been studying English through AMEP Distance Learning with my teacher Daniel since January 2016. I chose DL because it allows me to study at home while looking after my one year old child.

My goal is to go to university to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing and become a registered nurse. To be accepted into this course I need to sit the English test, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and achieve a score of 6 for each module: listening, reading, writing and speaking, and an overall score of 6.5.

I needed extra help with speaking and writing in particular. I knew these skills were my weaknesses and I couldn't imagine myself getting a score of 6 studying on my own.

My teacher Daniel (Navitas Parramatta college), focussed his lessons to help me prepare for the IELTS test. After 6 months of preparation, I made my first attempt and I was excited about the results. I achieved the required scores and more: Listening 7.5, Reading 7.5, Writing 7, Speaking 6, and overall a score of 7. I was particularly amazed by my writing score and so happy that my hard work paid off. Daniel was very proud of me too.

I think the key to success in achieving any goal, not just IELTS, is to have the right guidance and then work hard persistently towards your dream. I know it is easier said than done. I still recall times when I felt frustrated because I failed to brainstorm any ideas for a topic and thought to give up. Fortunately, it was just a thought. If you want to achieve something, don't expect fast or easy results, but practise everyday and trust the process knowing that you will improve gradually.

Choosing Distance Learning was one of the best decisions I've ever made. What I learnt from teacher Daniel was more than the knowledge and skills necessary for achieving my academic goals. His constant encouragement and acknowledgment of my progress kept me positive, patient and confident in my endeavours.

It's interesting to note that following the writing of her story, Bingbing changed her mind about her course of study.  Inspired by Teacher Daniel she is now doing a postgraduate qualification in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) to become an English teacher helping migrants in the same way she was helped. From all of us in DL, we wish Bingbing a bright career teaching English.

• What are you short and long-term goals? What are the steps to achieve them?
• What makes us sometimes change our goals along the way?
• What advice would you give someone who needs direction, motivation or confidence in achieving their goal?

We'd love to hear your comments below.

ANZAC Day celebrated on 25th April

On 25 April, Australians will commemorate Anzac Day. Anzac Day is the day we remember those who died in all wars. ‘Anzac’ stands for ‘Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’.

When World War I broke out in 1914, Australia had only been a federation for 13 years, with a population of fewer than 5 million people. It was very much part of the British Empire, and so when Britain entered the war, Australia automatically joined as well.

On 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand forces landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. The idea was to capture Gallipoli and from there, to take over Constantinople, which was the capital of Turkey at the time.

The Australian and New Zealand soldiers met very strong resistance from the Turkish soldiers and both sides suffered terrible casualties. More than 8,000 Australian soldiers died during this 8 month campaign and it had a profound effect on Australians back home.

As Australia was a young country with a small population, this loss of life became a defining point in its history, and from it, the Anzac legend of courage, mateship and sacrifice grew.

The first anniversary was held in 1916, and every year since then, Australians not only remember the lives lost at Gallipoli, but all those who have died in war.

A dawn service has been held every year since 1927. Initially this was a very simple ceremony involving veterans of the war to gather, remember and reflect on their experiences. Today, as all the veterans of World War 1 have passed away, the dawn service not only includes the family members of these veterans, but anybody else who wants to gather and pay their respects and reflect on the meaning of war.

It is a solemn and very moving occasion, as one of our DL students, Thi Son Ha, who attended a dawn service, wrote in a beautiful passage:

A MOMENT OF ANZAC DAY AT LAKE CARGELLIGO

In the wind, the voice from another world whispered "We remember you ....remember you ...remember you ....". Wind then stopped, sunshine didn’t move. Everyone looked beyond the other side of the lake, such as they tried to find some souls who came back in the cloud, in the sky or the water of the lake....The wave of the water on the bank of the lake could be counted as the beats of the hearts. A moment for all of you who sacrificed your life for the peace of this country as well as the world. "We remember you, remember you ....!" 

• Australians often use the word ‘mate’. How was 'mateship’ shown during the war?
• Do you have a similar celebration in your country? What happens on the day?
• What do you think is the best way to remember those who died in war?

Charina, the professional job-hunter

DL student, Charina

My name is Charina and I come from the Philippines.  I came to Australia with my two daughters about 3 years ago to join my husband who came here 3 years before us. We could have joined him earlier, but I was a bit hesitant as I had a great job back home. I had to put my family first however, and couldn't deprive my daughters from being with their father.

After settling down in Roma in Queensland I decided to enrol in an English course. So I started learning English at TAFE. Unfortunately the classes were mixed levels and my daughter didn't cope well with her new childcare, so I decided to join the Distance Learning program.

DL suited me so well as I started feeling more confident socialising and mingling with the community. I studied the Work theme with my teacher who helped me update my resume. Then I started applying for different jobs. Soon I changed into a professional job-hunter and attended one interview after another near and far. With every interview, I gained more confidence and applied for more jobs.

I finally found a job as a Room Attendant in a local hotel. Do you think I stopped there! No way! I continued my job hunt.

Last December I found a job in aviation and thought I was getting closer to my dream job. The employer arranged a training course for me, so I went to Brisbane for training. As soon as I returned home however, I found out that my husband, who is the main breadwinner in the family, got a new job in Chinchilla which is 2 hours away from Roma.

My next job was to organise the move to Chinchilla, find a new place to live and new schools within 2 weeks.  That of course meant that my new job was gone as I couldn't possibly commute 4 hours a day to work at Roma airport.

This is very challenging; nevertheless, I'm not the type of person who gives up easily. I am finishing my DL classes soon but I've got enough confidence to look for another job closer to home.  Please keep your fingers crossed for me.

Great determination Charina! We will keep our fingers crossed for you and wish you all the best in your job hunt.

Balancing family and work responsibilities can be difficult.

• What sacrifices do people make for the family? Do you have examples from your personal experience?
• How can mothers balance work and family responsibilities?
• Do you think mothers or fathers should stay home with their children?  Why/why not?

 We would like to read your comments below.

HAPPY EASTER

Dear DL students

We wish you a Happy Easter. There will be no lessons from Friday 14th to Monday 17th. Lessons will start again on Tuesday 18th April.

Have a safe break and for our Christian students have a blessed time of reflection and celebration.

 

DL's Patchwork of Cultures - Harmony Day 2017

DL's Patchwork of Cultures

Navitas Distance Learning students have made a Patchwork of Cultures for Harmony Day. During the week of Harmony Day students enjoyed sharing their culture online with their teachers, at work and in their community. Following Harmony Day many DL students worked very hard to write comments, reports on festivals and interviews to share insight into their festivals and culture. In doing so they have created a virtual Patchwork of Cultures. Click HERE to view the slideshow.

Teachers Sonia and Barbara

DL teachers enjoyed their multicultural lunch together, the most unusual dish being Antarctic Seaweed Salad. Teacher Barbara
demonstrated how to wrap Vietnamese rice paper rolls which all agreed were delicious. Lisbeth and Johanna shared photos of their traditional dress, while Sonia lived up to her promise and wore a lovely orange 'Salwar Kamiz'.

In the slideshow students express their thoughts on how they keep their culture alive in Australia and how they feel about life in Australia.

Thitaree from Thailand wrote:
'After I read Sonia's story I liked some words she said. These are my ideas. My life is like making a hand-made embroidery. I have a colourful and wonderful life but I have to work very hard at it. Like embroidery we have to do a little bit at a time and join it together, but sometimes, we have to re-do it. Sometimes I can't find the right colour thread so I stop what I'm doing and feel sad that I can't finish it. This is similar to my life and its ups and downs.'

Thank you to all the students and teachers for your contributions to the DL Patchwork of Cultures slideshow.

What did you learn by reading about your fellow students' festivals?

How do people in different cultures celebrate Easter?

How do you cope with life's ups and downs? 

A journey we walk together

Tasmiah & Teacher Lorinda
meet face to face
Navitas City College

My name is Tasmiah and I come from Bangladesh.  After graduating with a Bachelor of Business degree, I had several administrative positions. Life was simple but comfortable then.

In 2014 I got married to a Bengali man who had been living in Australia. I left my beloved family and country for Australia, a totally unknown land to me. I came with hopes and dreams for a better life and a brighter career.

The first three months in Australia were like a honeymoon. My husband took me touring the city every weekend. I came to know the neighbourhood and I started to adapt to life in Sydney. I started my first English classes at Navitas in Sydney city.  After two months I changed to Distance Learning when I decided to look for a job.

Things however did not go as smoothly as I'd expected.  Firstly I couldn't adjust to the unpredictable weather. I often felt cold and miserable and missed the sunshine in my home country. Then there was the challenge of finding a job. I hardly received any replies for my applications. My chances were limited as sometimes there were over a 100 applicants for the same job. I began to feel discouraged and even depressed. With all the golden dreams I had before, I felt I achieved nothing and was disappointed.

But thanks to the two DL teachers I've had. Despite my frustration, they remained patient and sympathetic and they helped me remain optimistic and hopeful. My first DL teacher Cristina suggested I look for volunteer jobs to start off. I took her advice and started looking for volunteer jobs but Cristina left and Lorinda became my new DL teacher.

The transition from one teacher to another wasn't easy. It was another few weeks before Lorinda and I came to understand each other well. Since then, Lorinda has been a great source of encouragement to me. Because of her positive support and inspiration, I have learnt to remain hopeful about the future.

In the past year, I have taken up different volunteer and part-time jobs, but the prospect of getting a stable full-time job remained dismal. I often felt like giving up but Lorinda was always there, boosting my confidence and making sure that I believed in my strengths and abilities.

My wishes came true last month. After working as a volunteer for a business college for just over a month I was offered a full-time job. The job is demanding and there is a lot I need to learn but I feel confident that with determination and hard work I will be able to settle in my job and make a career in this area.

DL has helped me move forward in my life and find a place in society where I actually belong. It is a journey that I will always treasure.

Congratulations Tasmiah on your achievement and our best wishes for a successful career.

• In what ways can you identify with Tasmiah's journey?
• What helps you remain positive and optimistic about the future?
• What are the stages of adjusting to a new culture?

Your comments will help build our DL community.