English with Mia

This is my story, and I am proud of it. ✨

Tonight, I’m sharing a piece of my journey as I submit my application for the Victoria International Student Awards.

Behind every achievement are moments that rarely make it into the highlights: the uncertainty of starting over, the resilience built through challenges, the courage to keep going, and the people who helped make the journey worthwhile.

Being an international student has shaped me in ways I never imagined. It has taught me to dream bigger, lead with purpose, and create impact beyond myself.

No matter the outcome, I am proud of how far I’ve come, the community I’ve built, and the person I’ve become along the way.

This is my story. And I’m just getting started. 💙🌏

StudentJourney ProudMoment

3 years ago, I was an au pair, a cleaner, and a student studying Certificate III.

Today, I am an Aged Care Trainer, Instructional Designer, and Aged Care Worker. I have completed my Master’s degree, built a rewarding career, and continue working towards even bigger goals.

This journey wasn’t always easy. There were moments of doubt, challenges, and many times when I had to step outside my comfort zone.

One thing that changed my life was learning English.

English gave me confidence.
English opened doors.
English created opportunities I never thought possible.

This is exactly why I am passionate about helping my English with Mia students. I want them to see that learning a language is about so much more than grammar and vocabulary. It’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and believing that a different future is possible.

If I can go from being an au pair and cleaner to where I am today, imagine what is possible for you.

Keep learning.
Keep growing.
Keep showing up.

The sky is the limit. ✨

No race, darling! Everyone’s journey is different. Three years ago I was an au pair and cleaner; now I have a master’s degree, earn $60/hour, and I’m building a business on the side. Growth takes time, but it’s worth it. ✨

If you know you know 😵‍💫🫨🫩🤧

It’s okay to pause and think before answering.
A short pause is much better than giving an answer that doesn’t address the question.

For example:
👨‍🏫 Examiner: What’s your favourite dish?
❌ Candidate:
“Well, I usually wake up at 7 a.m. and have breakfast with my family…”
(Wait… what? 😂)
✅ Better:
“That’s a good question. I’d say my favourite dish is sushi because it’s delicious, healthy, and reminds me of family gatherings.”

Remember: IELTS Speaking isn’t about speaking nonstop. It’s about answering the question clearly and developing your ideas.

Pause. Think. Then answer. 🎯
Band8 IELTSPreparation

So, which one are you? 😂

The “I slept, watched Netflix, and ate snacks” person, or the “I embarked on a profound journey of self-reflection” IELTS candidate? 🤣

Make sure you practise before your IELTS Speaking test!

Book your FREE trial class today at englishwithmia.com 🎓✨

Me vs. Adele’s accent in IELTS 🫨💀

Kalian pernah nggak sih ada di fase ketika satu tujuan besar akhirnya tercapai, tapi setelah euforianya reda, yang muncul justru pertanyaan: so, what’s next?

Hari ini aku ada di titik itu. Setelah perjalanan panjang menyelesaikan master degree, sesuatu yang sudah direncanakan dan diperjuangkan jauh-jauh hari, ternyata rasanya bukan cuma bahagia dan lega.

Ada rasa syukur, tentu. Tapi juga ada rasa takut. Takut dengan langkah berikutnya, takut dengan ketidakpastian, takut apakah semua yang sudah diperjuangkan akan membawaku ke tempat yang tepat.

Mungkin ini memang bagian dari setiap pencapaian. Saat satu bab selesai, kita dihadapkan pada halaman kosong yang harus mulai ditulis lagi.

Dan meskipun belum punya semua jawabannya, aku memilih untuk percaya bahwa setiap langkah kecil setelah ini tetap akan membawa ke tempat yang seharusnya.

For now, I’ll just keep moving forward. ✨

so what's next?!

Today is my birthday!! 🎂✨

I am unapologetically proud of the person I’ve become.

This year, I completed my Master’s degree, pitched my vision at Eastern Innovation, and secured 12 months of workspace for English with Mia in Melbourne.

While juggling study and business, I had the privilege of helping my students secure jobs in Australia and become more confident in the workplace through their English skills.

Every challenge, setback, late night, and small win helped shape this chapter of my life.

Feeling grateful for the growth, the lessons, the people who believed in me, and the impact I’ve been able to make along the way.

Here’s to another year of dreaming bigger, growing stronger, and creating opportunities for others. 💛