The Happiest Refugee An Endangered Species Case Study

Family - The Secret To Refugee Success

The Happiest Refugee, An

Endangered Species

Mia Bowen Osmond encouraged by his parents to think positively about every circumstance. He was pushed to believe that he was able to do things he never thought he would be capable of doing.

Unfortunately in his early teens Ahn’s father became a dangerous alcoholic and left the family. His mother was left to raise the three young children alone. She wanted the best for them. A more recent refugee mother from Thailand shares this hope: "My dream is to be able to speak good English and have a good job in Australia” (Tar Eh Paw Gay, 2013). Ahn’s mother made many sacrifices and worked hard in order to give her children opportunities. One of the most important aspects of life to her was the belief that a good education leads to a better future. Ahn found himself attending a private school that really was more than what they could comfortably afford. Ahn was very self conscious about their financial situation, and was also aware about the enormous pressure that his mother was under. He tried to reduce the pressure his mother was under by not asking her for the money needed to buy all necessary education resources, however this did not help him fit in with his peers. This could have impacted negatively on his results, but instead these difficulties seemed to make him work harder and achieve success.

Ahn’s circumstances with his family made him feel like he needed to step up and become the responsible man of the house. The sacrifices of his mother and his fathers words of encouragement that always played through his head motivated him to achieve.

Ahn Do’s story of overcoming poor, disadvantaged circumstances in his home country and as a refugee in Austr...

... middle of paper ...

...e for Medicare” (Sweet, 2010). Refugees arriving by boat are now sent to detention centres where they may remain for extended periods of time. They are unable to work or have an independent life. It is also more difficult to apply to bring the other members of their family to Australia. “Refugees who arrived by boat will be given the lowest processing priority when they apply for family reunions” (Cowie & Medhora, 2014). Ahn relied on family support for his confidence which may not be possible for refugees today.

Ahn Doh’s inspirational story of adapting and succeeding in

Australia is a positive example of a refugee experience. Until recently, genuine refugees were given rights to become an

Australian Citizen and start a new life. However today, it is much more difficult to get this security of your future. Their rights to live and work in

Australia are less certain.