So, why did I decide to become an au pair in Australia? I have decided to be an au pair for two simple reasons:
1. I wanted to go to Australia but had no money.
That’s right, I said it. For as long I can remember I have dreamed of visiting Australia to swim in the Great Barrier Reef. It has been on the top of every bucket list I have ever made and has always been the #1 place I wanted to visit before I die. When I came home for my graduation party I found a journal from 10th grade and even in that, I mentioned how Australia was where I would want to go to on my dream vacation.I made the decision to go to Australia now versus later because I want to take my good old time exploring all that Australia has to offer and that couldn’t be done on a two-week vacation.
So instead, I am taking six months to live with a family on the beautiful Gold Coast and experience Oz thoroughly. From kissing Koalas and Kangaroos to diving with sharks, I want to see and do it all before I leave. And believe me, I will!Working as an Au Pair you do not make a ton of money. You also do not spend a ton of money thanks to the family taking care of all housing and most food expenses (My daily $5 coffee splurge is the biggest expense currently beside my adventures).
This has been key for me in making the most out of this experience. I have created a budget for myself that will allow me to travel each month to somewhere new and exciting. This month I am going to Byron Bay for three days with my new friend Rachel from Wales. In October I am going to visit my high school friend Alexa who is an Au Pair in Melbourne currently. Before I leave I am going to also visit P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney and finally Cairns where I will live my dream and swim in the Great Barrier Reef!
I have always been one to put others dreams, and happiness, about my own. Do not get me wrong, I have had a wonderful 23 years of my life so far however over the past five/ten/fifteen years, I have over programmed myself with countless activities. In high school it started with ice skating, band, choir, drama, Interact Club, Mock Trial and more. At UCF I had the opportunity to be a part of the LEAD Scholars program which was incredible and opened my eyes to many amazing organizations that I became a part of while studying and working internships each semester.
I do not for one minute regret being super involved in college because I truly had the time of my life and I owe it all to Chi Omega, LEAD Scholars, Late Knights, and Knight-Thon. My final semester was the busiest five months I had ever had in my life. I was working full time at the Four Seasons at Walt Disney World, finishing my final courses for graduation, and volunteering 12-20 hours a week as the Community Outreach Manager for Knight-Thon where I oversaw 12 Directors and Coordinators as part of a team that raised $1 Million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Being busy doesn’t bother me, however, I know that it took a toll on me and my health both mentally and physically in the last few months. I was stressed and anxious constantly as I literally ran from work to school to sorority meeting to dance marathon meeting to school and back again the next day. It was insane. But I did it and I am damn proud of everything that I have accomplished.

Now, however, I have decided to hit pause. I am hitting pause because my degrees, connections, and experiences are not going anywhere; and when I get back to the US I can easily hit play and continue living out my career aspirations. For now, I am hitting pause in Australia, somewhere new and exciting that I can adventure through on my own time and at my own pace.
I basically have from 9:30a until 2:00p every day plus Monday and Tuesdays free to do whatever I want in addition to evenings that I have been spending with my new friends. So far, many of my days have been spent finding new delicious coffee spots and reading on Burleigh Hill which has become my favorite spot so far in Australia.
Overall, I am so unbelievably happy with my decision to hit pause and become an Au Pair in Australia. For me, this is a once in a lifetime experience and I am going to make the very most out of it. When my time here is finished, I can check it off my list and put a new place on my bucket list 🙂