Mayada Oso was just 11 years old and looking forward to starting high school when the world as she knew it changed forever.

After losing most of her family when their village in Iraq was captured and destroyed by ISIS, she endured three unimaginable years in captivity followed by a life of uncertainty in a refugee camp.

In 2018, when Mayada was just 14 years old, she came to Coffs Harbour with her aunty in search of safety, stability and the opportunity to build a better future.

While she didn’t know it at the time, it was in the halls of Orara High School, on Gumbaynggirr land, where she would eventually find hope, belonging and a fresh start.

But it wasn’t without its challenges.

“Everything around me was new and it was difficult to communicate with people or understand what was happening at school and in everyday life,” she said. “I often felt lonely and missed my family and the life I had known before.

“The conflict changed my life completely and prevented me from continuing my studies … [but] I always hoped that one day I would be able to return to education and build a better future for myself.”

Starting in Year 7 and with no English skills at all, Mayada spent her first year in the school’s English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) program, where she focused on learning the language of her new home and developing the skills she needed to participate in school.

While her arrival was also met with racism, overwhelming support from teachers and students eventually helped her settle in and connect with her school community.

“At times, I was told to ‘go back to your country’ which was very hurtful and made me feel isolated,” Mayada recalls.

“Over the years, my experience changed significantly. As my English improved, I became more confident and was able to build friendships and participate more in school life.

“By the time I graduated, I felt a strong sense of belonging and was proud of what I had achieved despite the challenges I faced when I first arrived.”

And eventually, school became Mayada’s safe place.

“School gave me a safe and supportive environment where I could focus on learning and rebuilding my life,” Mayada said. “Education not only helped me in my studies but also gave me hope and a clear path toward my future in Australia.”

She credits the guidance from her many supportive teachers and students whose kindness and encouragement made her feel safe and welcome, especially her teacher Nicole Laing.

“I was separated from much of my family … [but] seeing Mrs Laing every day made me feel like I had a mother here, too,” Mayada said.

“Her smile and belief in me gave me confidence during some of the most difficult times in my life. She taught me English, but she also taught me to believe in myself and never give up.”

One of Mayada’s proudest achievements was being chosen as the school captain in 2023; a role that symbolised not just personal success, but the journey she had undertaken since arriving at Orara High School.

“Being chosen as school captain meant a lot to me, as it reflected the trust and support of my teachers and the school community,” she said.

“This achievement is very special to me because of everything I had to overcome to reach that point, and it motivates me to continue working hard and giving back to others.”

For Mayada, who graduated in 2023, Orara High School has always been one of her favourite places. She’s now back at the school, working as an SLSO and helping other students facing similar challenges to those she once experienced herself; a role that contributed to her being named this year’s Coffs Harbour Young Citizen of the Year.

“I understood how important it is for new students, especially those who arrive with little or no English, to have someone who understands their situation and can support them,” Mayada said.

“I know how it feels to be in their position. I want to be that person who helps them feel welcome, safe and confident in their new environment.”

Mayada hopes her journey will inspire others who have faced hardship, demonstrating how public education and its dedicated, supportive teachers can transform lives and open doors to new possibilities.

“Even when life begins with very difficult experiences, it is still possible to rebuild, learn and achieve success with time and support,” Mayada said.

“I hope my journey encourages others to believe in themselves, to keep pursuing education and to know that it is okay to start again.

“Stay focused, stay patient and keep going … your future is worth it.”

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Refugee Week (14 to 20 June). The theme, ‘A million stories’, celebrates Australia granting one million permanent humanitarian visas to people fleeing conflict and hardship.