My grandmother is my inspiration

Professor Dr. Suvajara
 Vajarasathira

Following the celebration of the International Women's Day last week we received this inspirational story from Ninn, one of our DL students.

Professor Dr. Suvajara Vajarasathira is my grandmother, I call her “Koon Ya” (Grandma) in Thai.  She was born in 1924 in Bangkok. She was an excellent student who topped her class in Thailand.  She won a KINGS scholarship, being in the top 5% of her final year at University. She graduated with a Masters Degree in Medicine from Mahidol University and then went on to study in New Orleans, America. 

In the 1950’s not many Thai women got to study in university. In Thai culture we thought girls didn't need an education because they would get married and become housewives.  It was very hard for women to get the scholarship and study overseas. Grandma was a trailblazer in Thailand, being only 1 of 3 girls in her field of medicine, and the only girl to receive a KINGS scholarship to study in America. 

In America she faced prejudice and discrimination from people, classmates and teachers. The other problem was because she was a very pretty girl a lot of men spoke amorously to her. However, the other 4 doctors doing the same scholarship looked after her and treated her like a younger sister. She graduated with a Doctoral degree in Medicine and finished her 5 year internship in an American hospital in Chicago.

After she came back to Thailand she went to visit her fiancé, but America was too far and she was gone for too long. He had married another girl. As a requirement, to pay back her scholarship she worked her state job as a Doctor in the countryside of Thailand. This made forgetting about her ex-fiancé easier.               

               

She worked in the countryside of Thailand for about 3-4 years. When Mahidol University started the “Faculty of Tropical Medicine” she was selected to come back to Bangkok to set it up in 1960.  As a researcher and lecturer, she travelled to many overseas countries. My greatest delight was when she brought home souvenirs for me.  But this meant I had to have been well-behaved and done well in school. The Japanese chocolate was my favourite. She was a working and practising doctor until she was 70 years old.

                

Koon Ya is 91 years old this year and although her body may be failing her mind is still very sharp. She is a great person who in her 50 years’ service to Thailand has given up much and helped many people. That is why I feel proud and privileged to help support her now.

Thanks to Ninn for sharing this wonderful story about a remarkable woman!

• Do you have someone in your family or your culture that you consider a "trailblazer"?  In what way?
• A lot has changed for women of this generation. What has changed and are the challenges the same?

Why not share a comment on the story or the discussion questions here!

Words of Wisdom

Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgment.  It is learnt as we journey through life.  As we experience the highs and the lows, the ups and the downs, we grow and become wise.  Wisdom is also learnt from people who inspire and support us.  For International Women's Day in March you did a project.  You wrote a quote from an inspirational woman in your life.  So now your project is finished and ready to view.  Here are the combined "Words of Wisdom" from the Navitas DL students.

Presentation 1 is easy to read, just click on this link to open Words Of Wisdom 1

Presentation 2 is harder to read, just click on this link to open Words of Wisdom 2

Our story this week is from Katty.  She shares her wisdom from her mother:

A woman who has inspired me is my mum who is a very nice and strong lady.  She does everything for her family and I.  She works very hard and is patient.  My mum told me people thought, 20 years ago, that a lady could not do anything without a man.  But now everything has changed for the better.  Now a woman can work outside and do everything that a man can do.  Thai women now are doing all sorts of important jobs including being the Prime Minister.  Now everyone agrees that a woman and a man are equal.

What are your thoughts on the Words of Wisdom presentations?

Be Inspired on International Women's Day

Lisbeth, DL Teacher

International Women's Day is celebrated around the world on March 8th. It is a day to reflect on women's equality, to recognise women's rights and to encourage women to be strong and resilient in difficult times.There are many women in history who achieved great things in difficult times. They did this with strength and resilience. They achieved great things in literature, politics, sport science charity and much more.These women inspire us to be like them, to be smart, strong and work hard.

On the new EVENTS tab there is an International Women's Day slideshow and lesson activities. Write your own inspirational quote to contribute to our 'Words of Wisdom' slideshow.

This week's blog is an inspirational interview with one of our most experienced DL teachers, Lisbeth. 

Hi Lisbeth, tell us about your background.
I'm from Sweden.  I live with my husband in Sydney and I have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
When did you decide to come to Australia?
When I was 19 I worked on a sailing ship that brought me to Australia where I first met my husband. After we got married we lived in Sweden and had 2 children.  I didn't come to live in Australia until I was 35.
How did you end up teaching in the AMEP?
In the late 70's there were thousands of people arriving from Vietnam so I got a job as an adult migrant English teacher.  This has been my career ever since.
What are the highlights of your career?
I was a Principal in the Adult Migrant English Service.  I have taught English in 5 countries: Sweden, England, Hong Kong, Belgium and Australia and I am still teaching in DL. Besides that, I'm currently the only Swedish Interpreter in Sydney.
What keeps you going?
I love my job because I feel I'm making a difference to my students' lives by helping them.
Do you have any interests other than work?
I love travelling.  I've been to 78 countries.  I also sing soprano in a choir. I'm part of the Swedish community in Sydney and join in many multicultural events.
What have been the main challenges in your life?
It wasn't easy to leave my homeland and it took a long time to feel settled in Australia.  My children spoke no English and I was disappointed that I couldn't do the same job as I did in Sweden as a Primary School Teacher. Of course, I missed my family. It took me 3 years to get the right qualifications.  Another big challenge was when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 9 years ago and had to go through years of treatment.
What would you say is your strength?
I always see the glass half full, which means I'm a positive person and try to look at the bright side.
What female figure inspired you and why?
My mother was a wonderful role model for me.  She loved me utterly and gave me confidence.
What advice would you give young women?
Follow your dream! Seize the day!  Never say I can't do it.... in Australia everyone can have a fair go!

Go to the 'Events' tab above for this week's activities.