From Aged Care to Engineering: My Education Journey

Arriving with a Dream and a Memory

When I arrived in Australia, my heart carried two things: a student visa and the memory of my grandparents.

My original plan was simple—study aged care. I had always admired the elderly, especially after growing up close to my maternal grandparents. They had passed on, but the connection I felt with older people remained. Their stories, their quiet strength—I wanted to give back by caring for those in their twilight years.

With that purpose, I stepped into classrooms and eventually into an aged care facility, hopeful and determined.

Reality Checks and Redirection

But the job wasn’t just tea and storytelling.

The deeper I got into the work, the more I realised how much physical and emotional strength it demanded. Showering, lifting, feeding—these were no small tasks. My size often made it difficult to physically support the residents, especially those with disabilities.

I tried. I really did. But at some point, I had to ask myself: Can I give my best in this field for years to come?

The honest answer was no.

Starting Again—with Blueprints and Boldness

I reached out to people—friends, family, teachers—and opened up about my struggles. They listened. They understood. And slowly, the idea of switching paths became more than a whisper.

That’s when I chose to study engineering.

It wasn’t an unfamiliar world. My grandfather, aunts, and uncles were engineers. Maybe it was already in me. But still, starting a new course was terrifying—especially when math wasn’t exactly my best friend.

Falling in Love With the Process

With time, things changed.

I learned how to build structures, use advanced software, read plans, and understand the complex language of buildings. What once intimidated me became exciting. I found joy in the order, the rules, and even the mistakes.

Between long nights, shift work, and full class schedules—I pushed on.

And finally, I graduated. 🎓
Not just with a new degree, but with a new sense of who I am and what I can overcome.