From basic English to newfound confidence in just one year with Macquarie Community College. Inspiring journey of Nataliia Drobushar from a healthcare professional in Ukraine to a confident English speaker in a new country showcases the transformative power of community education.
A New Beginning in Australia
When Nataliia Drobushar arrived in Australia in May 2022, her life had been turned upside down. The war in Ukraine had forced her and her family to leave behind a life they loved. Back home, Nataliia held a senior position in a hospital, with no plans to ever leave her country. Yet, life has a way of changing in an instant, and suddenly, they found themselves starting over in a new land.
Reflecting on her experience, Nataliia says:
“We always say — never say never. Now, I truly understand what it means when your life changes overnight, and you must rebuild it from scratch.”
The Beginning of English Journey at Macquarie Community College
The move to Australia came with many challenges, and for Nataliia, one of the most daunting was her limited English.
“When we arrived, I was desperate. My English was very basic, and I was too ashamed to speak to people. Finding a job seemed impossible.”
A Centrelink manager recommended to try an English course at Macquarie Community College. Nataliia’s first choice was the Chatswood campus, conveniently located near a train station, just a 30-minute commute away. That decision would prove to be life-changing.
Falling in Love with English: Thanks to Tutors Fiona and Merlin
Nataliia’s first English classes were far from easy. She struggled to understand anything and felt out of place among her classmates. However, each class brought a little more ease, a little more confidence.
“Our tutor, Fiona, was a magician,” Nataliia recalls. “She made me love English. Fiona’s classes were truly engaging, and with each lesson, I found myself feeling more confident.”
Fiona fondly remembers Nataliia as a student:
“Nataliia’s big smile was the first thing that stood out to me. Despite the challenges she faced with the language, she always found creative ways to express herself. She’s a very clever woman, juggling her family commitments and work while striving to improve her English. It was a pleasure to help her on her journey.”
Another tutor who played a significant role in Nataliia’s journey was Merlin.
“Merlin’s lessons are an absolute whirlwind of energy and emotion. If you’re looking for not just learning but a flood of positive, vibrant energy, that’s what she brings to the table. At the same time, her teaching is incredibly well-structured.”
Overcoming the Fear of Speaking
The biggest hurdle for Nataliia was overcoming the fear of speaking.
“When you hear how Australians speak, it’s easy to feel ashamed and think, ‘I will never be able to do that.’ But now, I realise that’s nonsense.”
At MCC, Nataliia found not just language lessons but a supportive community that made her feel welcome.
“The MCC team creates such a friendly and supportive environment. It’s a community you want to be a part of. The classes are thoughtfully structured, and that made all the difference.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Today, Nataliia is focused on her next big goal: passing medical exams to validate her Doctor Diploma and advance in her career. She’s incredibly grateful to the MCC team for their support and guidance along the way.
“Thanks to MCC, I can now communicate in English, and that’s given me the confidence to move forward with my life and career in Australia.”
The Macquarie Community College team is proud of every one of our students. We wish Nataliia all the best in achieving her goals and finding success in her new life in Australia.