Resilience and Growth: My Journey as an Australia Awards Scholar from Nauru
By Enoli Tsitsi - PAYA’s Chief Events Officer
My journey as an Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) recipient began in 2023 at Griffith University’s Nathan campus. Studying in Australia had long been a dream of mine, and now, as I approach the final trimester of my Bachelor of Business program, that dream is nearly fulfilled. This scholarship has opened doors I never imagined possible, offering me a truly unique experience filled with unforgettable and transformative moments. I can confidently say that I will leave Australia a better version of myself—professionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically—thanks to the AAS.
I first dreamed of studying in Australia in 2018 and was finally successful on my third application. When I received the acceptance email, I was overjoyed—it felt surreal. Preparing for my departure was exciting but also challenging, especially leaving my family behind to arrange our living situation in Australia. We were apart for nearly three months, and when they finally joined me, I was overwhelmed with happiness. However, the real challenges were just beginning.
Balancing my responsibilities as a mother, student, and home management was incredibly demanding. I struggled with time management, financial stress, and emotional exhaustion. I began stress eating, gained weight, and often felt irritable and drained. I avoided exercise, believing I needed to conserve energy for my studies and family duties. This mindset only deepened my internal struggles and made it difficult to stay positive.
Several turning points made me realize I needed to change. First, I discovered I was becoming obese after checking my BMI—this was just one year into my time in Australia. Second, I noticed I was becoming easily angered by minor issues, and my emotional stability was deteriorating. Third, my motivation to study had plummeted. Lastly, I had no hobbies or extracurricular activities to bring balance to my life.
Determined to improve my wellbeing, I acted. In 2024, I joined the BusinessPLUS extracurricular program at Griffith Business School to enhance my employability. I also enrolled in the Leadership Connect online program, hosted by Women Leading and Influencing (WLI) in partnership with La Trobe University. This six-month program emphasized self-awareness and reflection, which helped shift my mindset. I began prioritizing self-care—exercising, creating schedules, managing my time more effectively, and planning my life with intention.
In 2025, I took another step forward by joining the WLI Women’s Leadership Development Program and attending their intensive weeklong workshop in Canberra—a truly transformative experience. I also became the Chief Events Officer for the Pacific Australia Youth Association (PAYA) and volunteered for the Griffith Mates 2025 program, completing four shifts in Trimester 1.
To manage my academic workload, I took two courses in Trimester 3 of 2024, which allowed me to take three courses in Trimester 1 of 2025 instead of four. This decision made a significant difference. My extracurricular roles also enriched my academic learning, as I applied concepts like collaboration, management, and stakeholder engagement in real-world settings. I was not only learning—I was contributing to Griffith University and my community.
Reflecting on the past three years, I am proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve developed greater self-awareness, learned to be kinder to myself, and become more resilient in facing challenges. The experiences, programs, and opportunities made possible by the AAS have helped me grow in ways I never imagined. I am deeply grateful for this scholarship and the many doors it has opened for me.
