Ramesh Shrestha

"Where would you like to go first?"

I asked my dad after showing him the list of all the tourist destinations in Sydney and Canberra.

"Your college.", he answered firmly.

When I asked him why, he said, "Because your journey in Australia started from TAFE NSW. You might have got recognition and awards and been featured here and there but it all started from that college. I want to see and experience your college."

For 6 years, I hadn't seen my parents.

I was working hard to finish my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with TAFE NSW.

I was busy with full-time study, working to make a living, paying for my tuition and conducting community welfare projects.

When I graduated in 2020, I wanted my parents to be present at my graduation ceremony. Unfortunately, due to COVID, my graduation was postponed.

In the meantime, my Temporary Residency got rejected which caused a lot of stress, anxiety and personal financial drain.

Last year in November, after lots of effort, I finally got my Permanent Residency (PR). My first goal after I got my PR was to bring my parents to Australia for a visit.

Within a month, my parent's visit visa was granted. It was an emotional reunion for me. My dad's response totally blew me away.
I realised how grounded my parents were and how they have passed on the same ethics and morals to me.

This visit also made me realise how much I missed studying at TAFE as it was such a great learning experience due to my teachers and peers.

Thus, I have also started my Cert IV in Training and Assessment with TAFE NSW. Now! in a turn of events I have got a role at TAFE Digital as an Education Support Officer. I am excited to embark on this new journey with TAFE.

TAFE has been an integral part of my life in Australia. I have got a lot out of TAFE and with this new role, I hope to give back and contribute to the growth of TAFE's mission and vision.

I am writing this post to express my gratitude toward my role models: my parents and teachers who have always guided me and supported me along my journey.

Not to forget my amazing references Belinda Foye Reckerman and Bev Foster who have been role models for me in both ECEC and life. Thank you! Belinda and Bev. I am grateful to have met you guys and learn from you. And I am blessed to always have your support and guidance.

🚗🌟 Life has been one wild high-speed car chase for the past 6 years! I've been revving up those engines, pedalling to the metal, chasing goals and ticking checklists like there's no tomorrow. 📋🏁

Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against goals or checklists, in fact, I am quite addicted to them. 🤓 But after this endless cycle of "this, that, this, that" for six years straight, I realized it wasn't just my body and mind running on fumes, but my soul too. 🏃‍♂️💨

You know, a circus juggler can keep those balls in the air for hours. 🤹‍♂️ But even the most skilled juggler's hands eventually get tired, and that's when things can take a tumble. 🤹‍♂️🎪

So, I decided to hit the pause button. For 10 days, I packed up all my balls (metaphorically speaking: work, family, friends, study, social work, routine responsibilities and so on) and embarked on a journey of self-discovery through a 10-day Vipassana course (10 days of no talking, no phones, just total silence and mediation). 🧘‍♂️🙏

It's like a taste of monkhood, but within the confines of a busy household and social life. 🏡👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 It was time to quiet the chaos, find inner peace, and recharge my spirit 🌟🧘‍♂️.

🧘‍♂️✨ Emerging from my 10-day Vipassana journey feels like stepping out of a cocoon into a world that's both familiar and transformed. 🦋🌍 The chaos of everyday life now feels a bit more manageable, as I've learned to navigate the currents of my mind with a newfound sense of calm.

P.S. It's free of cost though finding a spot can be hard. For the burnout souls, may you find real peace, real happiness and real joy.

"They blame those who remain silent, they blame those who speak much, they blame those who speak in moderation. There is none in the world who is not blamed."

- Buddha

When you hear or read something inspiring about someone, I believe that it leaves an impression.

In the process, we carry a part of that person with us. As a result, we evolve into a better version of ourselves.

Drawing on the strengths of the author we tend to become stronger, wiser and kinder.

In an attempt to help you evolve into a better version of yourself, we present to you 'Glory', a story series of ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

"A good teacher always remains a curious student."
- Chasmis Sir

When I first came to Australia and was struggling with life, never had I thought one day, I will be featured in the local newspaper or be interviewed by Australian television(SBS) and Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Neither did I think I would be working as the president of a social organization in Australia. Life changes quickly when you have the determination and willpower to succeed. Though the interview with the SBS did not reach a final end because of various reasons it was still an experience that I will always cherish.

I had my fair share of ups and downs. Starting from kitchenhand to being a teacher has been an epic journey on its own. In between, I have done countless odd jobs and lived in countless places to survive. In 6 years timeframe I have lived in 14 different places. I like to call myself 'Australian Raute*' because of all the places I have moved to. Life has been pretty interesting, to be honest.

Once a timid little boy filled with insecurities today stands as a strong and confident man, ready to face any obstacles that life may put forth. Ten years ago, when I was even scared to get out of my room, if someone had told me that I would be exploring the world, making friends from different countries and giving interviews, I would have laughed. I would have rolled my eyes at the person. Something that hadn't crossed my wildest fantasy is today a reality.

Just remember my friends, the path that you are walking today has been predestined for you and you alone. On the way, you will stumble, fall down, get hurt, isolated, betrayed and so on. But these are the things that will make you stronger. Along the way, you will also cross paths with amazing people and extraordinary personalities who will guide you, cheer you and inspire you to dream big. Be open-minded and make full use of every opportunity that knocks on your door.

"What do you want to do after you finish your study?" One year ago one of my teachers asked the question. I often get asked the same question in my interviews. My answer to the question remains unchanged. " I will change the education system of Nepal." A dream that scares you and excites you at the same time is the dream that is worth chasing. Follow your passion and be true to yourself. We will all die one day so why not die happy, chasing our dreams and passion.

Pic Credit: Annie Martin
*raute- a nomadic tribe of Nepal

He was a poor student, preferring daydreaming to studying. He was eventually expelled from school for being a disruptive influence.

As a teenager, he became inspired by the imaginative side of mathematics and physics and was equally interested in the work of Michelangelo, whom he studied in depth.

These mutual interests encouraged him to play even further with his imagination, and he developed his now-famous 'Creative Mind Games'.

The rule is simple. You ask yourself an intriguing question then let your imagination run riot.

In one of his most famous Creative Mind Games, Einstein imagined that he was on the sun's surface, grabbing a sunbeam, and travelling directly away from the sun at the speed of light, to the very ends of the universe.

He kept on reaching the same spot where he started.

This led him to think, "If you travel in straight lines 'forever' and continually return to the vicinity of where you started, then 'forever' must be at least two things: curved in some way, and possessing a boundary.

He came to the conclusion that out the universe is curved and finite. His insights were a perfect blending and conversation between both sides of his brain. It was a perfect 'whole-brained' creative realization.

Creativity of children never fail to amaze me. This child deserves a 🏅.