Australia felt like a dream come true to 19-year-old Srishti Dhupar when she left India to arrive in Melbourne in November last year, to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology from Deakin University.
But her happiness was short-lived as she found herself in a precarious situation owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Within days, her university migrated to online classes, she was stood down from work with hardly any funds, friends and only books and Netflix to accompany.
Highlights:
- Indian student sells hand sanitisers to make ends meet during COVID-19 pandemic
- Srishti Dhupar is pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Melbourne's Deakin University
- “We can survive this together as long as we continue to strive and never give up hope,” says Ms Dhupar
But Ms Dhupar chose to swim against the current and dived in wholeheartedly to look for an interim job until she could return to her part-time role with the consultancy.
“I have never learnt to buckle down in front of challenges. I started looking for work from home options, and that’s when I came across a post on Facebook from a new business owner looking for marketing and sales professionals to sell hand sanitisers and masks. I immediately called him up and asked him upfront for the position.
Click on the player above to listen to the full interview.
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for food and essential supplies, work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. People are also advised to wear masks in public.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
