In this episode, Serena Lowe shares her journey as an introverted migrant from Singapore to Australia. She discusses the challenges and strengths of being an introvert in a new culture, the importance of community, and how to embrace one's introverted nature.

Serena emphasizes the need for self-acceptance and the value of quiet strengths in a world that often rewards extroverted behaviour. With the host, they explore the interplay between culture, personality, and belonging, offering practical advice for introverted migrants and anyone navigating new environments.

If you’re a migrant, introvert, or both, Serena’s story is a reminder that your quiet strengths are powerful assets. Find your community, celebrate your unique perspective, and remember: you are not alone on this journey.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Serena Lowe

(00:15) Navigating Life as an Introverted Migrant

(06:02) The Advantages of Introversion

(08:36) Finding Alternative Networking Strategies

(13:03) Introverts vs. Extroverts in Migration

(14:55) Embracing Introversion in an Extroverted World

(21:25) The Quiet Warrior Concept

(22:40) Shifting Perspectives on Leadership

(26:00) Advice for Introverted Migrants

(28:45) The Importance of Community

(30:55) Reflections on Migration and Identity

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

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This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this episode, Antonella Sorace, Director of Bilingualism Matters, joins the host to share her personal journey and dispel common myths about bilingualism. Together, they explore how bilingualism shapes identity and fosters adaptability, with Antonella explaining that while bilinguals often feel “in between” cultures, this very adaptability is a key advantage. She discusses cognitive benefits, including improved attention and earlier development of perspective-taking in bilingual children. The conversation also touches on what happens when native languages aren’t used regularly and feel less accessible over time – even if words or grammar become harder to access, these languages are never truly lost and can be reactivated with exposure. Antonella highlights the importance of maintaining minority languages, the role of artificial intelligence in language preservation, and the risks of linguistic homogenisation. Listeners are encouraged to embrace and value their own linguistic diversity.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Bilingualism

01:07 Personal Journey into Bilingualism

04:13 Common Misconceptions about Bilingualism

06:15 Bilingualism and Identity

11:40 Cognitive Benefits of Bilingualism

18:16 Language Accessibility and Attrition

22:44 Cultural Value of Non-Dominant Languages

29:30 The Importance of Maintaining Home Languages

34:39 Empathy and Perspective in Bilingualism

35:06 The Importance of Bilingualism

38:34 Misconceptions About Bilingualism

40:00 The Role of AI in Language Preservation

44:45 Encouraging Language Learning in Adults

48:00 The Value of Maintaining Bilingualism

52:43 Bilingualism as an Adventure

54:24 Identity and Belonging in Bilingualism

Resources mentioned:

Bilingualism Matters, by Maria Garraffa, Antonella Sorace, and Maria Vender

Connect with Antonella:

Bilingualism Matters’ website: https://www.bilingualism-matters.org/

Antonella’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonella-sorace-2214625/

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.

In this episode, Abdi Aden shares his incredible journey from Somalia to Australia, detailing the impact of the civil war on his life and the challenges he faced as a refugee.

He discusses how he found purpose through motivational speaking, the challenges he faced due to societal expectations and discrimination, and how he overcame them by embracing his identity and building genuine connections with young people.

Abdi emphasizes the importance of treating youth with respect and positivity, and shares valuable insights on navigating cultural differences and disarming prejudice.

He concludes with empowering advice for immigrants and refugees, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness as a strength and overcome the fear of judgment.

Chapters:

(00:00) Journey from Somalia to Australia

(05:08) The Impact of War and Refugee Experience

(09:07) Survival and Resilience in Refugee Camps

(12:20) Navigating Identity and Belonging

(14:15) The Struggles of Rebuilding Life

(20:20) Finding Purpose through Teaching and Speaking

(23:40) Lessons in Kindness and Community

(27:10) The Importance of Education and Opportunity

(30:00) Embracing Life's Challenges

(32:00) The Power of Storytelling and Sharing Experiences

(33:08) Overcoming Societal Expectations

(36:10) The Journey to Becoming a Youth Worker

(37:55) Building Genuine Connections with Youth

(39:20) Disarming Prejudice and Stereotypes

(40:40) Embracing Identity and Difference

(41:50) Advice for Immigrants and Refugees

(42:30) Overcoming the Fear of Judgment

(43:00) Gradual Exposure to Vulnerability

(43:30) The Struggle with Vulnerability and Shame

(44:00) The Importance of Sharing Success

(45:00) Redefining the Term 'Refugee'

(46:00) Finding Home in Australia

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Thank you for listening to From There To Here!

If our guest's story resonated with you, please like, follow and rate the podcast – that would make a massive difference to the production of the show.

I was your host Emma Bellamy, and I can’t wait to bring you on another journey From There to Here!

LinkedIn || Instagram || Spotify || Apple Podcasts

This podcast brought to you in partnership with Kintsugi Heroes. To find out more, head to kintsugiheroes.com.au.