Student Spotlight - Maryam Adam
Studying at GOTAFE is helping Maryam Adam help herself.
Maryam Adam has battled hardship and adversity her entire life – but has never let circumstances affect her work ethic and upbeat attitude.
And now she is turning that desire to work hard towards her education, studying a Course in Initial EAL (22636VIC) at GOTAFE to empower her own independence in the country she now calls home.
GOTAFE is proud of the strong cohort of refugees among its student body, and to mark National Refugee Week (15-21 June) is amplifying refugee stories.
Maryam arrived in Australia as a refugee in 2016 – from Sudan, via Egypt – with her young son, eventually – and proudly – becoming a citizen.
“I’m so happy (that) I came to Australia, (I feel) safe,” she said.
Throughout the almost-decade since arriving in Australia, Maryam has had to deal with the effects of a serious injury to her finger, which has at times forced her to stop working.
But her determination to contribute to her new country and community has always helped her find a way.
“We have to say thank you to Australia for helping all the refugees who are here,” she said.
“We have to respect (Australia) and we have to try (our best) in this country.
“I have to respect myself too (by working hard). You can’t stay home like a young child, you have to try and work hard.”
With her son now grown up and about to set off on his own career path, Maryam was adamant that she wanted to improve her English skills so she did not have to rely on anyone to help her navigate day-to-day tasks.
“I have to (study) because one day my son will not be there to help me every day, I have my community around me but not my other family,” she said.
“I can (speak) English, but I don’t understand writing or reading, but I am (trying) my best.”
Maryam comes to GOTAFE in the mornings to attend class, before changing at lunch time and heading to work afternoon shifts.
She is grateful for the opportunity to learn flexibly in a way that suits her work schedule.
“I came (to GOTAFE) and I said that I wanted to (study) four days (a week) and they said yes, I am very thankful,” Maryam said.
“I try my best (and) I work hard.”