Packed with Purpose, Tertio’s journey to work as a nurse in Austria
For many, the journey to becoming a nurse is marked by passion, purpose, and perseverance. For this aspiring healthcare professional Tertio, preparing to move to Austria, it began with one powerful influence: her aunt.
​
“She was so deep into it. It was more of a calling than a job,” she shares. “I wanted to take care of people the same way she does.”
​
The road to relocation has not been an easy one. Learning German online while balancing work commitments proved tougher than expected. “We thought it would be easy, but it was quite challenging. Some of us had to skip classes, and when exams came, we realized just how serious it was.”
​
Despite the early hurdles, the process picked up speed after exams and regularization. “It actually happened faster than I expected,” she says with gratitude. “Without the support from the TYE team, I don’t think I’d have made it through.”
​
When asked what one item she’s bringing that carries deep meaning, her answer is heartfelt: “A family photo. There are six of us, my parents and four kids. I know they’ll miss me.”
​
Leaving home is more than physical; it’s emotional. “Home is the connection,” she reflects. “If there were a local church in Austria, I’d feel more at home. But I’ll hold onto my roots through food and my faith.”​
​​​​
When she pictures her new life in Austria, one image comes to mind immediately…water. “Swimming pools,” she says, laughing. “I’m a big fan even if I’m still learning how to swim. I’ve heard it’s something people enjoy there, and I’m looking forward to it.”
​
It will be her first time flying, and though excited, one concern lingers….racism. “That’s my biggest fear,” she admits. “I don’t know how I’d handle it if I experience it, but I’ve prepared mentally and spiritually.”
​
One thing she hopes never changes is her connection with God. “I pray that doesn’t shift. That’s my grounding force.” She also plans to maintain a spirit of kindness. “You never know what someone is going through. Being kind can change someone’s day or their life.”
​
If her journey had a soundtrack, the first song would be “See What the Lord Has Done.” A reminder of grace, growth, and the miracle of arrival.
​
To fellow candidates still in the waiting phase, she offers this advice “Don’t give up. Stay hopeful. Things can change when you least expect it. At the end of the process, you’ll see it was all worth it. When you receive your first paycheck and convert it to your local currency you’ll be amazed. You’ll feel proud. You’ll see that it was all worth it.”