I didn’t come from a wealthy background in Nepal. My father had to get a loan to pay for my flight and my first semester at university, and when I first arrived, I stayed in a house in Sydney with 28 others. Then I moved into another place with some friends, and all our furniture came from stuff that had been thrown out on the side of the road!
I really needed work so that I could continue to pay for my degree. But even though I dropped resumes off everywhere, I didn’t have any luck. Finally, my cousin in Brisbane got me a job in a restaurant, so over my summer holiday I went up and worked there, and just managed to save enough to pay for my next semester. While I was up there, I met my cousin’s flatmate, Grace, who had come from South Korea to do a nursing degree. I won her heart through my cooking skills and soon we started going out. As a result, I decided to move to Brisbane. Six months later, I proposed!
My next job in Brisbane was as a burger boy. Later, I was promoted to Assistant Manager and that job helped me pay for all of my degree. And even though my Dad didn’t ask me to, I also managed to pay back the bank loan which he took out for me.
After I finished my studies, I couldn’t get a job in my field because I lacked corporate experience and because I didn’t have permanent residency. So, in 2012, Grace and I decided to move to Darwin to look for work. Eventually, she got sponsored by the hospital where she worked, and I got work at the Bank of Queensland. The person who interviewed me, Andrew Highman, is one person I will never forget. He mentored me for the whole time I was there, passing on all of his 25 years plus of experience to me, and whatever I’ve achieved, he contributed a lot to. He really went above and beyond his duty. Now, he’s like family to me and I feel really grateful to him.
After having our first daughter, we decided to move to Toowoomba to be close to Grace’s family. We’re very happy here. I’m working at the National Australia Bank here as a Business Banking Manager, and I’m also the co-founder of a charity called Shelter for Hope. We organised fund-raising events in Toowoomba after the earthquake in Nepal, and thanks to the generosity of the people here and elsewhere, we are now in the process of building 2 community centres there.
A lot of people have contributed to my life’s success. My parents, who let me come over here, my granny, who cries every time I call her because she’s worried about me, and my wife, Grace, who also sacrificed many things just for us to get where we are now. We’ve been happily married for almost 8 years now, with two beautiful daughters.
It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice but it’s all been worth it. We find it our privilege to call Australia home.
Ujjwal “Udi”
Nepal
Arrived 2007
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#migrants #migration #Nepal #australia #sydney #brisbane #toowoomba #Darwin #inspiration #storiesnotstereotypes
Great story,, we in australia are grateful you and your family chose australia for you to come and to contribute in the way you have. thank you
Thank you for sharing your story. Toowoomba is a great place to live and raise a family. We are so lucky to have wonderful people like you and Grace who add to our multi cultural city. Standing side by side.
Thanks for writing your story. So humbling! Toowoomba is a great place and it’s lovely to hear that you and Grace have made it yours. Welcome!!
This is beautiful. For all the incredible people who helped this lovely human and his family on the way – thank you. We are lucky to have you sir.
We’re hiring! Check out our job ad here: https://newhumansofaustralia.org/jobs
Wow what a wonderful attitude you have you worked hard for your degree many could learn from your work ethic and the respect and love you have for your Dad who set you on the right track. All credit to you ????
Love your story makes me determined to continue with my TESOL to refugees , every little bit makes a difference, khusi lagyo
Congratulations Udi Gautam. I’m so proud of you and Grace, you two are awesome. Time flies, I didn’t realise how long ago we worked together haha.
Wonderful! Love reading these stories of those who have made Australia Home often through great difficulties. Bless them!!
I loved your story and I’m so pleased you are happy as an Australian.
Your poor granny. That made me sad ☹️️
When I got married all my furniture was second hand too and our lounge came from the side of the road. It’s good to start with nothing. Then you appreciate things more. I’m glad your story in this beautiful country has been a happy one ????
What an inspirational story … Thankyou for sharing and for becoming a proud Aussie!
A lot of us started with furniture from the side of the road.???? We had bricks and planks of wood for our bookcase and when we invited people for a meal, we asked them to bring a chair. Basically we are all the same, we work hard so that our children will have a better life than we did. You have made your family proud, even though your Gran misses you. You have a wonderful work ethic, thank you for choosing Australia.
A beautiful story, am touched that you made it and did so well. Your gratitude and kindness to all who helped you in your life was very beautiful to read.
Udi, congratulations on ‘making it’ in Australia. We’re not all like our Government portrays, may many more people like yourself call Australia home to come.
This is the Australia that i fall in love with every day when i wake up! Congrats on ur achievements and hard work that shaped you a humble and helping human being.. This country is full of Andrew highmans. Salute to you sir..
This brought a tear to my eye. Great story… Great Aussies!!! We need more of these stories of assimilation and Aussie spirit. ????????????????
We are lucky to have people such as you and Grace here in Australia, may you be prosperous and happy.
What an inspirational story. Your parents must be extremely proud of what you’ve achieved in such a short time. Best of luck to you and your family.
What an inspiring story. I’m sure there was a lot of blood, sweat & tears along the way but you kept at it! Salute you Udi! Keep inspiring others!
I have tears in my eyes reading this! How wonderful you are. What an inspiration to all to never give up and be positive and greatful for all you have . Be humble and never forget those who help you no matter how big or small. Gratitude and humbleness will make you go far in life????❤️
Wishing you and your family all the happiness ????❤️
Bless you! There are some Aussies who need to learn from you and your hard work ethic. I hope one day you will become Australian citizens. Xx
This country was built by people like you. Australia is lucky you chose to come here
Humble, hard working people succeed, because they know what is needed to improve their lives. The arrogant entitled can never achieve this success on their own worth, they can only take from others. Much respect to you Sir. You deserve every success you achieved by hard work!! ❤️️
Congratulations Udi! What a great story you have & what a blessing you are to Australia.