my year in australia

15 important lessons thatI’ve learned this year

By Tiago Dias

1. How To Appreciate a Pav

Learning to appreciate and sometimes make this wonderful Australian dessert was both exciting

and delicious. I’ll certainly miss the pav when I go home.

2. And To Stay Away From Vegemite...

Unfortunately, the Aussie favourite isn’t for everyone...

3. To Set Up a TentThis can be a very important life skill sometimes,

and I’m really glad that I’m having so many opportunities to practice this newly acquired

ability.

4. To Communicate in Aussie Slang

This has been a major one and being able to successfully speak the aussie lingo has been very

useful when blending in with the locals.

‘’Good eye, might!’’ (G’day mate)“Good tucker, mate!” “Holy-dooly!”“What a top bloke!”

5. To look for my seat in the car on the right side

Still trying to get used to this one...

6. That You Can’t Hire a Dingo

At least not the kind that I was thinking of...

VS ?

7. To Put on Weight (And Yet Stay Thin)

At one point during the year I had nearly 10kg above the weight I had when I first

arrived...

8. How to Tie a Tie

It may sound pretty basic, but ties aren’t part of our school uniform back in Brasil...

9. To Buy Shoes My Size

Trying them on at the store is also a good idea...

10. To Look Charming in The Local Newspaper

11. That C-’s and D’s are perfectly acceptable marks

However it is very important that you

always give it your best!

12. That a Hot Towel Treatment at The Hairdresser is Not a Happy Ending

Thanks Bonnie for clearing that up.

13. That The Yowie is Coming to Get You!

Be very careful when sleeping in the back of a ute!

14. That a Smile is The Only Universal Language

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. ”

15. And Most Importantly, ALWAYS Believe in Yourself!

In this very special year I have learned many important things, but this is by far the most important of them all!

Last but not least...A very special thank you to the Rotary Club of Ipswich, and Rotary as a whole. If it wasn’t for this organization and people like you, there would be no way I could be here. You are really incredible. My sincerest thanks to all.

I hope you could also learn something from this experience. I will remember you for the rest of my life!