Six Months in Australia: A Journey of Finding My Way and Growing

A New Perspective: Safety and Courage

When I was back in Delhi, I started looking forward to my life in Melbourne. But this time, there was a shift. I knew that if things went south, I could always return home. Not that I wanted to, but knowing I had a safety net made all the difference. It gave me the security to explore, take risks, and start truly building my life here. Sometimes, just knowing that you're loved and supported is enough to give you the courage to move forward.

Building Relationships: From Survival to Connection

This time, when I returned to Melbourne, I came with a new intention. I was determined to make this place feel like home—not just by surviving, but by actually building meaningful relationships. I wanted to connect with people, explore Australia, and invest in bonds that mattered. Gradually, Melbourne didn’t feel as foreign anymore. In fact, I began to like it.

As one of my loved ones had wisely said, "You have to explore the place to fall in love with it." Slowly, I started doing just that. The beaches, the city, the people, the weather—it all started to click. The sunny days and the vibrant summer colors were a huge shift from the gloomy days I first arrived. I went on road trips with friends, hung out every other night, and began to enjoy myself. I felt grateful for the people who, without even knowing it, helped me see the beauty in this city from a new perspective.

Work vs. Purpose: The Struggle of Finding Fulfillment

With university on break, I focused on my part-time role as a teaching aide, doing it full-time. While the job helped me stay busy, being a teaching aide in special schools wasn’t my calling, and it often felt like I was just going through the motions. At times, I longed for university to resume because I missed the purpose and excitement of studying what I loved.

I knew, though, that this part-time job was temporary. Just one more year, and then I’d be pursuing what I truly wanted to do and dive into what makes me happy: becoming a counsellor. That future goal kept me going, even on the days when the work felt meaningless. In the meantime, it helped me manage my independence and boosted my self-esteem in ways I didn’t realize.

Cultural Adjustments and Embracing Change

I also began to realize that with people, there would inevitably be drama. But it was during this period that I understood a crucial lesson about adulthood: it’s not about the quantity of relationships, but the quality. I learned that the relationships that truly matter are those where people accept you for who you are and don’t constantly compromise your mental peace.

Loneliness didn’t have the same hold on me. I’ve learned to be comfortable with the few solid connections here, and that’s been a huge part of my growth. It helped me find a balance between being in a new place and staying grounded through regular video calls with my loved ones back home. It helped me come to terms with the fact that the distance wasn’t as painful anymore. These calls kept me connected and reminded me of the roots I have in India.

I also got used to the physical distance here—long walks, public transport, and the wait times that initially frustrated me. But now, they don’t bother me. It’s funny how you can get used to the things that once irritated you. You adapt. You grow. It was all part of the rhythm of life in Melbourne, and I had started to embrace it.

The Return of Purpose: Falling in Love with Learning

When uni finally resumed after a long four-month break, I fell in love with my classes and discussions again. I was back in my element. I loved what I was studying, and the challenges of assignments felt invigorating. The pressure was there, but it was the kind of pressure that pushed me to think critically and expand my knowledge. Each assignment felt like a small victory—a creation from scratch that I could be proud of. I was developing the critical thinking skills I had once feared, and I knew I was growing. Every paper felt like a step closer to my goal of becoming a counsellor; it felt more tangible, closer with each passing day.

Reflecting on the Journey: Growth and Self-Discovery

When I look back, I realize how much I’ve grown over the past six months. I’m no longer the same person who arrived in Melbourne. I’ve learned, I’ve struggled, I’ve adapted, and I’ve grown. And I’m not done yet. I’ve built resilience, even during the lowest points. I’ve learned to embrace discomfort, to push past emotional lows, and to continue moving forward despite the challenges. The emotional lows are still there, but I’m no longer stuck in them. Some days are harder than others, but I know that I’m not alone in this journey anymore. I’ve learned to find beauty in the imperfection of my journey. Like the philosophy of wabi-sabi, it’s not about striving for perfection, but embracing the flaws and the unknown as part of what makes this experience unique and meaningful.

This experience has been a journey of self-discovery and growth. And while it hasn’t been all smooth sailing, I’m no longer in survival mode. I’ve found my rhythm here, and I’m settling into my life in Melbourne, slowly but surely.

Looking Ahead: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

The next six months are no longer about just surviving. They’re about thriving—about embracing everything this experience has to offer and giving myself the freedom to grow, both academically and personally.  

I’m excited for what’s to come. There will be challenges, of course, but I feel ready to face them head-on. I’ve learned so much about myself and this city. I’ve built connections and gained experiences that matter, and that makes all the difference. I’m looking forward to the next chapter, the next lesson, and the next friendship.  

In the end, I know that my time in Australia will come to an end someday. I’ll return home to India, where my heart belongs. But until then, I’m determined to make the most of my time here, keep growing, and continue moving toward the future I’ve always wanted.