After the dream

In December 2024, I accomplished one of the most meaningful goals of my life: I earned my Master of Communication for Social Change at UQ, one of the most prestigious universities in Australia. It was a dream come true. Ever since finishing my undergraduate degree, I had my eyes set on this path. And after overcoming countless obstacles—financial challenges, personal struggles, and everything in between—I made it.

But here’s the thing about reaching a dream: once you’re there… what comes next?

For me, the answer has been to focus on building a new chapter—on my partner, my dog, myself, and the little things I love. And of course, to find a job and build a career in Australia doing what I’m passionate about.

The job search, however, has been its own challenge—what I’d call a steep but fascinating learning curve. After a handful of interviews and far too many rejection emails, I had a moment of breakdown. Impostor syndrome crept in. I began questioning everything—my worth, my choices, even whether my effort had been in vain. I became painfully aware of the things people might notice about me that don’t define me: being a Latina woman in Australia, the assumptions they might make about my English (a language I’ve spoken most of my life), my work ethic, or my ability to “fit in.”

I met with résumé experts, rewrote my CV again and again, followed every piece of advice—but still, the doors didn’t open as quickly as I hoped.

Yet, in the middle of all that chaos, and not with ease, I saw the collateral beauty. I started therapy. I turned to podcasts and books that nourished me. I picked up DJing and hip hop dance. I began this blog. And I held onto the blessings in my life.

Through meditation and reflection, I reconnected with my purpose—why I chose communication in the first place. Communication has always fascinated me because of its scope: you can learn about any field and then help share that knowledge with others. At its core, communication is connection. It’s how we inspire action, spark change, and bring people together. That’s what I want to do: help organisations connect with their stakeholders, encourage people to take actions that improve their lives, strengthen communities, and care for our planet.

So, what has this job hunt taught me?

• People don’t know what you haven’t told them.
• When the right organization finds you, they won’t let you go.
• There are no failures—only lessons.
• We can always improve; it doesn’t mean we’re not good enough.
• Every opportunity is a chance to learn.
• Every experience has value.
• Staying true to yourself and your purpose is everything.
• Progress is still progress, even when it feels small.
• Patience is powerful.
• I don’t want any communications job—I want one that aligns with what matters to me.
• Work is important, but it’s not life. It’s a means to an end.

And so, whoever hires me will gain someone who listens deeply, learns humbly, and cares passionately—about connection, about inspiring people, about making a difference.

The journey has been long, and at times heavy, but it has also been deeply rewarding. And it’s only just beginning.