Initially, I came to Australia just to study English for 6 months. But my brother was just about to start uni in Colombia and I still had a year to go in my IT degree, and I knew it would be too much financially for my parents to have 2 kids at uni at the same time, so I decided to stay here for a while to take the pressure off. And I was able to help them sometimes by sending money.
I had a job working in a flower importation business, just cutting the flowers and placing them in buckets and doing the delivery slips. It was cold because I was working in a cool room, and I was tired because I was working many hours a week on top of my studies – but once you see the money and you see that you can help your family, then it’s worth it. And the boss was very fair with me.
Then, I went to work for Pieter, a Dutchman who owned another flower company. He needed someone to do IT, and to drive the truck to the airport. One day, after a few months, he said to me, ‘Don’t you want to finish your degree?’ I said, ‘Yes, of course, but I think its too expensive,’ and he said, ‘Well, why don’t you go and research how much it costs?’ Then I came to him a little bit sad, and said, ‘It’s too expensive for international students, I can’t afford it’. He asked me to give him the list of quotes, and after a moment, he said, ‘I can pay for your uni if you want.’ I couldn’t believe it. That night I called my parents and we cried a lot because it was such a big opportunity for me. We were so happy.
Later, I found out that Pieter had actually tried to help another young man before me in the same way, but after 6 months, the immigration agents turned up at his office to tell him that the guy had to be deported because he wasn’t going to uni at all. So I found it even more amazing that he would try to help someone again.
I was very surprised that my life mattered to someone who was not from my family or my community. That this was possible was the biggest realisation of my life, and it has made me want to be one of those people too, someone who cares about others, and who is empathetic to people who are different.
It has just changed my whole life. Now I’m in my third year of an IT degree at UTS, the same uni Pieter went to, and my third year of working for Pieter. He has a successful business, he has been very lucky in his life, and I think he just wants to give back.
But it’s not easy to find someone with such a big, big heart.
Juan Miguel
Colombia
Arrived 2009
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#migrants #migration #Australia #Colombia #Netherlands #students #internationstudents #UTS
Someone needs to track this Pieter down!
How lucky to find a man like Pieter! Good luck with your studies.
Your Pieter sounds like an angel. Make him proud, I am sure you are ❤️
Isn’t that amazing!!! If only there were more Pieter’s in the world. It would surely be a better place.
Pieter should be nominated for Australian of the year ! A true Australian who knows how to pay it forward
What is Pieter’s flower company called? We could ‘pay it forward’ to him by using his services.
Lovely story and I am glad that Juan met someone so wonderful as Pieter!! ????
I do still find it crazy that migration is available for those who want to learn English or extend their holidays but legitimate refugees are imprisoned. It just blows my mind.
You’re a legend Pieter and good on you Juan you probably restored Pieters faith and made his generosity and trust so valuable.
Pieter is a rare man. But what a blessing! Thanks for sharing your story. It gives hope that theres still good people out there
There are many, many, many more Pieters out there quietly helping others. We just don’t hear about them. So happy for you, Juan.
There are good people in Australia who are willing to help without hesitation . Good on you Peter and may God bless you and others who are always willing to help another person to improve their live . Cheers !
Wonderful. Good luck Juan with your degree! And I’m very proud of you and touched at how hard working you are. Good on you
That’s amazing. God bless Pieter. May that helping spirit become infectious to people through you. Enjoy life wherever you are.
Yet Another Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing Juan Miguel, Welcome to Australia and Best wishes for your future. Huge hugs to Pieter for extending yourself and Enriching us All as a result.
Syril Llanillo a man with a big heart
Such an amazing story! ???????????? I am very happy for your juancho!
Lovely, heartening tale when someone sees human potential and wants to see it flower; when someone gives without being asked.
Good people deserve good things and you have a beautiful heart.
All the best
Really good to hear such a heartwarming story instead of all the usual doom and gloom on the news. good on both men. wish you all the best.
What a role model Pieter is for the rest of us, as employers and community members.
Good luck with your opportunity.
Beautiful story ! Love my daughter to see this Clarissa Becker
Love this story! What a wonderful person and Juan a perfect person to help so kind and grateful! I wish you ( Pieter and Juan) the best in life!
Good on you Juan for working so hard. It was meant to be that you and Pieter crossed paths… Every success to you
Lovely story, Juan…….so glad that he helped you and that you are doing well….You deserve that….Take care 🙂