Migrants need to be realistic about their expectations and try to adapt to change in their new homeland. These are the things that helped me carry on teaching for 40 years, across 3 countries and ultimately achieving recognition and respect in the education sector.

At my prime in India, I was the head of my department of physical education at Guru Nanak Dev university, where I taught for 17 years, the first ever women to complete her PHD on the sport she had played in. Had been part of the Indian hockey team since age 16 and represented India in World Cup, World Championship and even the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Living on university campus in Amritsar and having a young family, life was quite breezy.

However, as time went on, my husband and I thought about the bigger picture and our children’s future. We decided to migrate to New Zealand in 1999 and it was a huge culture shock. When we initially landed in Christchurch with 2 young children and 4 suitcases, I thought to myself “Have we made the right decision?” From there my journey started and it was not always easy. Having my teaching qualifications really helped and it was based on this that I was able to continue in my profession as a teacher for 13 years in New Zealand.

In 2013 I again migrated, this time to Australia, again to be with my family. Even though this was a little easier than my initial move, it still felt like I was starting a new leaf. A new country, new people and finding a new job again. Luckily again I was able to get straight into my teaching in Australia as well and I still am currently teaching full time, something that I truly have a passion for. I have to appreciate that in both New Zealand and Australia, I was able to gain more respect and recognition for my efforts and hard work in the education sector, compared with my home country.

Migrating is a very big step and doing it with a young family is even more scary. However, migrants must remember to be realistic with their expectations as well as their goals. Be sure to accept and adapt to change and be mentally prepared that there will be many roadblocks on the way, but perseverance and having a goal in mind will help you to carry on with your journey.

As a way of staying in touch with my motherland, language, and culture I keep myself heavily involved in our community. I am a radio presenter for Radio Haanji a 24/7 Punjabi radio station as well as running my own cultural group ‘Apna Virsa Apni Boli’ (Our culture Our language). I also belong to the Caroline Springs Hockey Club and have been a part of the International Melbourne Hockey Cup.