A Pakistani student's journey into rural Western Australia

Hi, my name is Usman and I'm an international student from Pakistan. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Accounting at Curtin University.

I was inspired by my father, who is no longer with us. He was the first person in our town to earn a PhD from the United States. A true trailblazer, he broke barriers and earned deep respect from those in our local community and beyond. I have always wanted to follow in his footsteps, while aiming even higher, to honour his legacy and make him proud. That's what brought me to Australia.

I chose Perth for its peaceful environment, cultural diversity, and strong academic reputation. It felt like the perfect place to build myself both academically and personally.

Life here has been an incredible mix of challenges and growth. Settling in wasn't easy at first, but the kind community and calm surroundings made all the difference. I've discovered so much about myself, met amazing people, and found a sense of belonging. Perth really feels like a second home now. 

Over the past few years, I have been working in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, working as a caretaker with Catholic Education Western Australia. 

I have worked in many towns including Broome, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek, and communities including Bililuna, Balgo, and Warmun.. But the community I have spent the most time with is the Ringer Soak community. Its Aboriginal name is Kundat Djaru, and it is one of the smallest communities in eastern Kimberley having less than 150 people. 

I have always been drawn to adventure and wanted to step out of my comfort zone. This work allows me to support myself, work independently, and explore the real, authentic Australia beyond the hustle and bustle of the city. I have found a deep peace in the bush - the silence, the vast open skies, and the stars that stretch through the whole universe above me. 

Life in the bush teaches you things no classroom can: patience, resilience, and the value of simplicity. You learn to be self-reliant and adaptable, to slow down and appreciate the small things. 

One experience that has left a lasting impact on me was witnessing the unity of the community. Every time someone left town, they would ask others if they needed anything. Once, a community supervisor asked me if I needed snacks (since they weren't available locally) and brought them back for me without me even asking. It might seem small, but that simple gesture reminded me how caring and interconnected these communities are. In times of trouble, they show up for each other, and that sense of support really touched me. 

And of course, the best part of my stay in the Ringer Soak community is I have the company of two beautiful dogs - Guapa and Ghosty. One of the teachers, Simone, entrusted me to take care of them, and we'd go for quiet bush walks in the evenings. Those simple moments became something so special, giving me time to reflect, recharge, and grow. 

My experiences in the outback have changed me profoundly, both personally and professionally. I have learnt how to adapt to unfamiliar situations, solve problems with limited resources, and communicate across cultures with humility and patience. I have learnt that you can communicate with anyone in the whole world with love and kindness - they are a universal language that everyone can understand. I've learnt to be more grounded, more grateful, and more resilient. These aren't lessons you find in textbooks - they're learned through real life, and I carry them with me every day. 

So, to other international students thinking of coming to Perth or Western Australia, I say this: don't be afraid of failure, and don't be afraid to try new things. Say yes to the unknown, embrace the culture, connect with people, and let the journey shape you.

Because I can guarantee you this: you won't just walk away with a piece of paper when you graduate - you'll walk away with something far more valuable. Wisdom. Experience. And a new version of yourself.