English Original
The greatest challenge for many international students is overcoming loneliness. A common joke in our class was: "Why are Asian students so slim?" "Because we're too homesick." This feeling was a constant companion, especially during traditional Chinese festivals. Life abroad often felt monotonous, partly due to having few friends or relatives nearby, and partly because the high cost of living made entertainment and travel difficult to afford.
Taking on part-time work proved to be an effective antidote to loneliness and a financial lifeline. My first semester job as a tour guide for Chinese groups around Brisbane and the Gold Coast seemed glamorous, but I left it to seek more meaningful experience within Australian companies, hoping to understand their work culture and management systems. The job search was arduous, as local firms typically prioritized candidates with strong experience. After persistent effort, I secured a role as a food and beverage attendant at the renowned Warner Village Theme Parks (encompassing Movie World, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild, and Paradise Country).
This job taught me invaluable lessons in teamwork and performing under pressure. The friendly customers and collegial atmosphere, shared with many local university students, made it enjoyable. I was particularly impressed by how many Australian students funded their own tuition, demonstrating an independence from family that often develops after turning 18—a contrast to many Chinese students.
Throughout my studies, I took on various other roles like tutor, kitchen hand, and housekeeper. Juggling work and study was exhausting, but these diverse experiences enriched my life abroad. Most importantly, they gave me the profound satisfaction of becoming financially self-sufficient, no longer relying on my parents.
On November 1, 2004, a truly unforgettable day, I graduated from Griffith University. Wearing my academic regalia, I smiled all day, proud to have earned my Master's degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management after a year of hard work. This, however, was just the beginning. I am now applying for a work visa and seeking a full-time position in Australia's hotel industry.
Finding a job in a foreign country is challenging, but the past year has fortified my confidence. I chose this path, and I am determined to persevere without hesitation at life's crossroads. With a clear career goal in mind, I firmly believe my efforts will lead to success.
中文翻译
对许多留学生而言，最大的挑战是克服孤独感。我们班里有个常见的玩笑：“为什么亚洲学生这么瘦？”“因为我们太想家了。”这种思乡之情如影随形，尤其是在中国的传统节日期间。海外生活常常显得单调，一方面是因为身边亲友寥寥，另一方面则是高昂的生活成本让人难以负担娱乐和出行。
兼职工作被证明是应对孤独的一剂良药，也是一条经济生命线。第一学期，我在布里斯班和黄金海岸周边担任中国旅行团的导游。这份工作看似光鲜，但我为了寻求更有意义的经历而辞去了它，希望进入澳大利亚公司，了解其工作文化和管理体系。求职过程十分艰辛，因为本地公司通常青睐有丰富经验的候选人。经过不懈努力，我最终在著名的华纳村主题乐园（包括电影世界、海洋世界、狂野水上世界和天堂农庄）获得了一份餐饮服务员的兼职。
这份工作教会了我宝贵的团队合作和在压力下工作的能力。友好的顾客以及与许多本地大学生共事的融洽氛围，让工作充满乐趣。我尤其印象深刻的是，许多澳大利亚学生通过兼职自己支付学费，展现了18岁后往往从家庭中获得的独立性——这与许多中国学生形成对比。
在整个学习期间，我还从事过其他多种工作，如家教、厨房帮工和客房服务员。同时兼顾工作和学习令人精疲力尽，但这些丰富的经历让我的海外生活更加多彩。最重要的是，它们让我获得了经济自立的深刻满足感，不再依赖父母。
2004年11月1日，一个真正难忘的日子，我从格里菲斯大学毕业了。身着学位服，我笑了一整天，为经过一年努力获得国际旅游与酒店管理硕士学位而感到自豪。然而，这仅仅是个开始。我现在正在申请工作签证，并在澳大利亚酒店行业寻找全职工作。
在异国他乡找工作充满挑战，但过去的一年增强了我的信心。这条路是我自己选择的，我决心在人生的十字路口毫不犹豫地坚持下去。心中怀有明确的职业目标，我坚信我的努力终将带来成功。