I am very happy to be here in Australia and have been here for one year now. It’s been difficult, especially [being aware of] the situation back home when I left. I want to be busy and use my skills to support myself. At the beginning of my time here, I knew everything would be hard: [learning] a new language, [building] new relationships, and [understanding] a new culture. However, I was very happy to leave for Australia.

I was born with a physical deformity in my feet. Therefore, I haven’t been able to take a job that isn’t in an office. I have had six operations on them, not all beneficial, and it is very difficult to stand for a long time. [In fact, standing for long periods] isn’t good for me. Even with this [challenge, back in Syria], I would do four twelve-hour shifts a week for a security job while I was in school. It was very difficult, but I had to work. It is who I am—it is my culture. When I came here, after only one minute, I started looking for a job.

I studied Accountancy for two years in a commercial institute and then for four years through a Bachelor’s course in Syria. However, these qualifications are not officially recognized in Australia. When I finished, I stayed with the same company and was promoted from an Assistant Cashier to an Accountant within three years. I stayed with that company for thirteen years; an international company [that doesn’t offer] office positions in Australia. I have a certificate in Time Management, Business Etiquette, and Stock Control, and I finished a course in business administration through Parramatta College.

After eight months of being here [and steadily looking for work], I got my first opportunity volunteering with P&G Initiatives. It was a position as a book-keeper, and I was happy to take it. I enjoyed the training because I was given the chance to take part in the business environment of Australia. I learned MYOB, which was easier than Navision, and can now show that I have experience with it.

I think my first experience with P&G will have a positive impact when applying for jobs. I have new experiences, [and am learning] new words and new skills—everything. I’m improving my English every day. I have to [support] myself as soon as I can. I hear from companies I have applied to that I have a lot of experience, maybe too much. Most of them have said, “You are very qualified, overqualified [even].” What do I have to do? I ask you! I want your suggestions because I don’t know.

My perfect job? Something involving price adjustment, budgeting, checking invoices, inventory, and helping people. I think I will soon start studying accounting again so my qualifications can be recognized. I love all these things and I’m very proficient in them. I [will continue to] fight even harder because nobody knows what’s going to happen or when.