Step by Step: How Navitas Skilled Futures Helped Thi Hong Tham Find Confidence in a New Country. 

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Navitas Skilled Futures and all the teachers for their dedicated teaching, patience, and kindness. Their support has changed my life.” 

When Thi arrived in Australia more than three years ago, everything felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. The language, the streets, the systems, even simple daily routines were completely new to her. She couldn’t speak or understand English or how life worked in the new country. Every interaction felt difficult. 

“When people spoke, their words sounded fast and confusing. Going outside alone made me nervous, and even everyday tasks like shopping or catching a bus made my heart race. Inside, I carried a lot of worry and uncertainty, but I reminded myself that I had to be strong.” 

Taking the First Brave Step 

In August 2022, she took an important step forward and decided to enrol into the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) Cabramatta college to study and develop her language skills. The AMEP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.   

Speaking about her experience on her first day at NSF, Thi recalls, “Walking into the classroom for the first time was scary, I felt shy and worried about making mistakes, and wondered if I was too old to learn a new language.”  

When it was her turn to speak in class, her voice was often very quiet due to a lack of confidence. But deep inside, she knew she had to try, not only for herself, but for her family and future. 

Small Steps, Real Progress 

With time, patience, and practice, Thi slowly began to feel better. Step by step, her English improved and she developed skills in speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Her progress was not fast, but real and that mattered most. 

“One day, I realised I could call and book a doctor’s appointment by myself. Another day, I could go shopping and ask questions without fear. I learned how to confidently catch the train or bus, fill in important forms, and even make new friends from different backgrounds.” 

“These may seem like small things, but to me, they were big achievements. Each success made me feel lighter, stronger, and more capable.” 

Finding Confidence and Connection 

As her confidence grew, she started going out more and interacted with people outside of her community about simple topics like daily habits, the weather, and health. Those short conversations added to her growing confidence. 

The fear of making mistakes vanished, instead she felt proud that she was brave enough to try. Every conversation helped her feel more connected to the world around her. 

“I remembered something my NSF teacher said to me; ‘No worries. step by step, and try again, again, again.’ These words stayed with me. Whenever I feel tired or discouraged, I repeat them to myself. They remind me that learning is a journey, and that every small step forward matters.” 

Family as the Greatest Motivation 

One of her biggest motivations to improve English is her son-in-law, who is Australian. “At family gatherings, I sometimes felt sad because I could not have full conversations or express myself clearly while speaking to him.” 

Thi hopes that one day she and her son-in-law can talk comfortably, understand each other, and build harmony within the family. “Family love gives me the strength to continue learning, even when it feels difficult.” 

A New Sense of Belonging 

Through AMEP, Thi has not only gained communication skills, but also renewed confidence, independence, and the freedom to make choices in her new life in Australia. 

“Now, when I walk outside, I do not feel lost or homesick anymore. I still love Vietnam, but Australia has truly become my second home, a place where I continue to grow, even at 59 years old.” 

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Navitas Skilled Futures and all the teachers for their dedicated teaching, patience, and kindness. Their support has changed my life.” 

For more information about courses that can give you new job skills as well as improve your English call Navitas Skilled Futures on 1300 798 111.   

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