From escaping war to entering the classroom: Graduate Ramina's mission to inspire the next generation

Syrian-born RMIT student Ramina shares her journey of overcoming adversity as she prepares to graduate and inspire her future students as a teacher.

For soon-to-be graduate Ramina, her path to becoming a teacher is deeply intertwined with her upbringing in Syria and a promise she made to her mother.

Relocating from Syria to Australia in 2016 due to the war, Ramina faced an incredibly challenging experience.

“Leaving behind everything familiar to start a new life was daunting, but I was driven by the promise I made to myself and my mother—to continue my studies and make her proud by graduating from RMIT,” she said.

Ramina’s decision to pursue teaching is rooted in a painful memory from her childhood. Despite being the top student in her class, a teacher altered the rankings, placing his own daughter ahead of her due to family status.

“The teacher said: a daughter of a cleaner will not be more than a daughter of a teacher.”

This act of favoritism sent a clear message: her father’s profession as a cleaner somehow made her less deserving. Ramina drew on her strength and determination to show others that everyone is deserves to have a dream and see it released.

"I chose to become a teacher to ensure that no student ever feels undervalued or overlooked," she shared.

No one else has the power to shape your life or define what you can or cannot achieve—only you hold that authority. You are the creator of your own destiny. I want to become a teacher to inspire others, to show that no dream is out of reach. With determination, resilience, and the will to keep going, you can achieve anything you set your mind to in this world.

(L) One of Ramina's most meaningful experiences during her time at RMIT was real world learning where she taught at various schools. (R) Ramina shares her journey and inspires others through education.

At RMIT, she found support and inspiration in both her coursework and the university’s vibrant student community. A key educator’s focus on equity and inclusion particularly resonated with her, as did her involvement in student clubs, which helped her build leadership skills and form lasting friendships.

The most difficult challenge during her studies was math, especially passing the numeracy LANTITE test.

"I had to relearn math from years 7 to 10. It wasn’t just about learning math; I had to figure out how to teach it."

Though difficult, this journey strengthened her, and she emerged more confident in her ability to teach.

“Being involved in various student clubs helped me develop leadership skills, gain new perspectives, and build friendships that made my university journey even more fulfilling,” she said.

(L) “Volunteering on at the 2019 RMIT Graduation was an unforgettable experience. Being part of the celebration and assisting graduates on such a special day was truly rewarding.” (R) Ramina was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Assyrian Australian Social Development Club for her contributions to the community.

Ramina’s greatest challenge, however, has been balancing her studies with caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.

"Seeing my mother struggle while staying focused on my studies was incredibly difficult. But her resilience and love gave me the strength to keep going."

As she prepares to graduate, she’s eager to make a real difference in the lives of her future students.

"Helping them realize their abilities is what drives me forward," she says, determined to inspire the next generation with the same strength and resilience that has carried her through her own journey.

My advice to new students and future graduates is this: never be ashamed if you don’t know something. Start practicing, keep learning, and by the end, you’ll get better. The most important thing is to never, ever give up, even when you face the hardest challenges in life. From my own story, I’ve learned to be a fighter, not a victim. Stay determined, keep pushing forward, and you’ll achieve more than you ever imagined.

From navigating the challenges of relocation to overcoming academic struggles and balancing her education with her mother’s illness, Ramina has emerged stronger and more determined than ever to make a difference in the lives of her students. With graduation on the horizon, this future teacher is ready to step into the classroom and fulfill the promise she made herself and her mother—to inspire and empower the next generation.

Read more inspiring graduate stories here.

17 October 2024

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Syrian-born RMIT student Ramina shares her journey of overcoming adversity as she prepares to graduate and inspire her future students as a teacher.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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