As his aircraft took off from the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, the teenager was filled with excitement. It was not only his first overseas trip but also his first flight. The tearful farewells followed by transit time at the busy and expansive Hong Kong International Airport made him somewhat nervous and apprehensive.
Until his departure, his parents, siblings and friends dissuaded him from undertaking the long and arduous journey to New Zealand.
“What for and what you would achieve? There are many universities here in our Pune or Mumbai to take up higher education. You could become an engineer or a doctor,” they said.
His Auckland based maternal aunt and her teenage children persuaded Yash Rajendra Dole to take that bold step and get on with life.
They gave him an emotional welcome as he arrived at the Auckland International Airport. Their advice was, “Enjoy life but do not forget your main purpose of seeking University education here.”
That was four years ago. Completing a 12-month IT Diploma course with impressive results, Yash secured a job at an IT Support Centre. Impressed by his sincerity and hard work, his employer supported his application for Permanent Residence, which he obtained in 2009.
His penchant for further studies prompted Yash to take up part-time employment. He is currently enrolled at the AUT University prosecuting a conjoint degree programme.
Diligence & Dedication
“Education in New Zealand is great, there is no pressure like back home but I am conscience of the fact that mu future would depend on my academic performance and fulfil the criteria for a job. With my aunt and her family looking after me, I have the best of both worlds,” he said.
His unwavering focus on education has been a source of endearment to the members of his family here and in India.
Yash has opportunities to meet newly arrived international students and interact with them. He understands their loneliness and emotional stress.
“Do not lose track of your goals. New Zealand offers freedom, temptations and opportunities to seek improvement in life. Use the first to secure the last, discarding the second,” he said.
Yash said ability to do part-time work is a great opportunity to earn New Zealand experience and money to meet at least immediate needs.
“A Part-time job gives you confidence and helps you learn the requisite skills and work ethics, helping you not only graduate in your studies at the University, but also in your career. I began as a trolley collector at a supermarket. It was a hard and exhausting job but made me realise the value of labour,” he said.
His disarming smile and pleasing personality, coupled by willingness to learn earned him the post of a checkout operator.
“I have not looked back since then. I am keen to establish a successful career and justify the confidence that my parents in India and uncle and aunt in New Zealand reposed in me,” he said.
Yash is not only the pride of his family but also of his immediate circle of friends and the community.
