Catalina Rivera

What this episode covers

Visit https://go.a1connect.com.au/pod-mmm-e3 if you're a migrant or a business looking to support migrant workers.Catalina Rivera: From Colombia to Sydney, Rebuilding Love and a Nursing CareerIn the Migration Matters podcast, Catalina Rivera recounts leaving Colombia to reunite with her husband in Sydney after two years apart, arriving on May 20 with two suitcases and about $500, feeling hope, excitement, and fear on her first overseas trip. She traces the decision back to 2007 when her boyfriend, later husband, committed to moving to Australia for better nursing opportunities, prompting a rushed marriage to simplify visas while she stayed behind due to health and financial constraints. She shares humorous advice from her 90 year old grandmother about keeping intimacy alive over Skype, and describes the challenges of reunion, cultural adjustment, and rebuilding their relationship. Catalina details starting work as a cleaner, then caregiving, improving her English, and later having her nursing degree recognized. In May 2014 they gained permanent residency via a skilled independent visa, became citizens two years later, and she has since worked over 10 years in a Sydney public hospital, valuing multidisciplinary work to improve patient safety.00:00 Grandma’s Wild Advice00:11 Welcome to Migration Matters00:42 First Arrival in Australia01:38 The Australia Decision03:17 Rushed Wedding Plans04:44 Long Distance and Skype07:42 Finally Flying to Sydney08:23 Reunion Reality Check08:44 Falling for Sydney09:31 Starting Over with Work10:25 Permanent Residency Win10:56 Building a New Life12:02 Lessons and Thanks

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