Finally, I’ve done it. I am an Aussie!
January 26th, 2008 by Dave Cheong
Today is the 26th of January and is celebrated nationally as Australia Day. It marks the anniversary of the “First Landing” (or “Foundation Day” as it is sometimes known) by a fleet of 11 ships sent from England finally anchoring in Sydney Cove for the first time. It is a celebration of survival against hardship and adversity. It is a celebration of human triumph in challenging times.
Apart from being Australia Day, today also has a special meaning for me. It marks the day I finally became an Australian. It has taken me over 6 years, since my arrival late in 2001, to accomplish this. Much like the early settlers, this has not been an easy journey. However, much like my predecessors, the rewards have been rich, gratifying and priceless!
If I could look at myself back in time in early 2001 when I decided to make Australia my future, I would see a naive but determined young man - eager to make his way in the world and to succeed in one of the greatest cities in the modern Western World (Sydney). That young man would dream of a great life, one filled with happiness and success against all odds. What that young man did not know then was how his dreams would pale in comparison with the reality over half a decade later.
Although I’m still a relatively young man by anyone’s standards and still have a lot to learn and experience, I count myself very blessed! I have a wonderful wife and daughter, which I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I have great parents, a wonderful brother and his family. I have a great career in software engineering and creation, which happens to also be my hobby and passion.
On a daily basis, I learn and grow. I am constantly challenged everywhere I go and at home. I have the opportunity to eat ice cream whenever I want to. Whilst I am not rich, I have enough money to satisfy my “wants” in life. How can anyone ask for more?
It is fitting then that today, on Australia Day, I become an Australian. It is a fitting ending to this chapter in my life. Being an Australian and living a wonderful and happy life here has been a life-long goal of mine. I came to Australia only with my luggage in hand and a pocketful of money. Whilst the journey hasn’t been easy, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have worked hard for it and earned my right. Finally, I have my reward! Oh how sweet it is…
If there is one thing I learned through this process, I’ve learned the importance of self-belief. If I didn’t think I could do it, I wouldn’t have tried. If I had let self-doubt and negative thoughts to dominate me, I wouldn’t be sitting here.
There is no goal unattainable if you believe in your own abilities to accomplish them.
Good luck for all your dreams in 2008.
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January 29th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Congrats DC! 6 years is a long time.
January 31st, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Hi Dave. Congratulations on your citizenship. I’ve been reading your blog for some months and really enjoy your observations, so keep up the good work. Well done, from one aussie to another!
Warren
February 3rd, 2008 at 3:40 am
Congratulations on your citizenship.
Being an immigrant myself I totally understand how you feel.
Greetings from Canada!
February 3rd, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Hi guys,
Thanks for the congrats. It sure feels good. Let’s hope the next 6 years is equally fruitful.
dave
February 12th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Dave,
Cogratulations. Six years is not a small journey. Your story is a challenge to some of us who have similar tall dreams. I now believes that Nigeria will certainly come out of her mess one day, especially with competent hands like President Umaru Yaradua.
You and Abraham Lincorn shall one thing in common. And it is FAITH. To my fellow readers, believe in urself even when people can not see anything good coming out of you.
February 29th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Congratulations, Dave! I know the feeling of moving to a new country and starting from scratch. Now that you have made this new country your home, it’s easy to overlook the past because your life now is more manageable than before.
Keep up the good work! I look forward to reading more of your entries.
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:38 am
Congrats Dave! This is fantastic news.
Let’s catch up some time.
- Shyam
March 9th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Hello
I love this website and I just wanted to ask when you’re updating next. It would be very sad to see another great website disappear into the wide world that is the web.
Come back!
March 10th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Congratulations.
You are an inspiring being. I like your post. I make hard copies and carry them with me on my backpack. During cimmuting time I read your post looking for encouraging moments.
Gracias
Roberto (UK; moved from Spain ^ South America)
March 23rd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Dave,
Congrats. I am bit angry with you. I really miss your blog. I started reading positive blogs with you, even though I read Steve Pavlina, Scott Young blogs, I feel something is missing. Some of the things I think are ‘your journey experience’(you are making path for your life/career, we can easily follow the same path), and ’simple english’(since you are not a fulltime productity coach, just you shares your real life experience).
After soft dev, many many people like to improve their life, career and wants to settle in some different countries than their native. Me too. Please continue writing more frequently, which will help more to acheive our goals
April 26th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
That is quite a coincidence. I also got my AU citizenship this year on the very same date
I am sure we can make a good use of it.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Where were you living prior to migrating to Australia?
April 9th, 2009 at 4:56 am
“I have the opportunity to eat ice cream whenever I want to.” LOL… love that line of your’s! I totally agree with your “Whilst I am not rich, I have enough money to satisfy my ‘wants’ in life. How can anyone ask for more,” being the simple things in life (food, shelter, family, etc).
April 24th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Hey guys,
Thanks for the kind words and have no fear I do not intend to get rid of this blog. I’ll keep posting as best I can, but it may not be as frequent as you and I like, but at least it won’t go away.
I’m as committed as ever, but the timing isn’t quite right yet… But the stars are aligning, so maybe a change is coming?
dave