Untouched Gold

Untouched Gold: A True Story About Taking A Risk On Yourself

I am a star.

That is what my friends and even strangers who’ve just met me have said. I was ‘born with it,’ they would say. '“You are so confident. You are smart! We could never do what you do. We don’t have the gift you have, and we could never be like you.”

When I listened to these words, I couldn’t help but feel like a fraud. I would smile at them on the outside but tell myself on the inside that they were just trying to boost me up and make me feel better about myself. I knew they couldn’t be right because as confident as I may have looked to them, I didn’t feel there was anything special about me.

They didn’t know how many times I struggled to see my own qualities or how many times I would deliberately hold myself back from what life had to offer me. I felt like if the people who praised me knew who I really was, they would see that I wasn’t that special person. I was not the star who was ‘born with it.’

I didn’t know it yet, but what I uncovered as people praised me was the beginning of the greatest discovery of my life. This is what motivated me to write this story—for you.
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**Writing my debut memoir Untouched Gold was a deeply empowering act, and the response from community has been equally empowering.**

Share in the joy with a few memories below:

"Each of us possesses untapped potential, and Shemsiya Waritu's book inspires readers to discover their hidden talents. The book presents a plethora of profound messages wing every reader to gain valuable insights. It is a great read that is filled with surprises and is sure to evoke a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, making it difficult to put down!"

Fur Wale (SHE Talks)
"Shemsiya's story is what we all have faced, and reading her book brought so many memories to me and reminded me how much struggle we all came through with these kind of experiences, but we were never confident enough to share it. Her story made me think of my own stories and I am sure her story will empower so many others to tell their side of the stories, too. I also believe Shemsiya's story can help many migrants, especially new arrivals, to learn from it and to believe anything is possible if they work hard. I am glad she took the risk and wrote her story. It will definitely open the door for many."

Tufaha Alie (President, Jirra Permanent Humanitarian Fund)
"It was a privilege to access this window into Shemsiya’s upbringing and the community and cultural practices that have shaped her. She shares of her wonder, fear, and determination as a newcomer in Australia with a strong sense of humour. Reading her words, it feels as though you are sitting as friends over cups of coffee together. Indeed, throughout this book runs the golden threads of connection, community, and love—intertwined they give Shemsiya the power to recognise and celebrate her strengths and qualities, and to help others to do the same.”

Michelle Attard (Innovation Project Support Officer (Evaluation) for Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS) Western Bulldogs and Victoria University)
"Shemsiya tells a story about the external and internal struggles that immigrant women face everyday. The challenges Shemsiya has faced to overcome her lack of self esteem and confidence in her self, I can only imagine how many people can resonate with that. Untouched Gold is beautifully written in a way where we are brought on her journey from Oromia, Ethiopia all the way to Australia, sharing her experiences, mistakes and growth. To learn how her journey has begun and where she is today is inspiring and incredible to say the least. Everyone can learn and take away at least one important message shared in this book. It is a must read for everyone. You will laugh, feel joy and maybe even cry, but most importantly, you will be inspired."

Jennifer Morris (a young community member from Wyndham working with youth)
"I've known Shemsiya for about 5 years now - or I thought I knew her well, until I read her book Untouched Gold. Shemsiya took us on a journey through her trials and tribulations of her life so far. With a touch of humour and solid advice, you felt that you not only learnt about Shemsiya, you also learnt some really important life lessons. A truly inspirational story that will remind you to never take anything for granted. Highly recommend - a Must Read."

Helen Smith
"In the chapter titled ‘Life’s Lessons’ there is one lesson that certainly stood out to me – ‘Believing in ourselves starts with listening’. She listened to those around her, those who supported her and those who believed in her. Through that encouragement and belief in herself that bright young Oromo girl is now a proud and confident Oromo woman and very proud Australian, one from whom we can all learn. As Shemsiya very nicely puts it in the final chapter of her book – ‘I am no more special than you. We were all born with God’s gifts. You were born to shine.’ What a wonderful message for us all. Read the book, grasp the story and you will understand why this lady truly is ‘untouched gold’."

Colin Styles (Wyndham resident, retired officer with the Royal Australian Air Force)
"It is impressive that this book is written by someone who arrived in Australia as “an uneducated girl” and who, as a woman, still found learning profoundly “scary”. Indeed, the fact that Shemsiya’s book exists at all is a testament not only to the author’s abundant determination, but also to the boundless possibilities of community-based learning and local support services within multicultural societies. Although I already knew Shemsiya prior to reading “Untouched Gold”, reading the book has led me to feel as though I know her as part of my family, which is comforting. Actually, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t benefit from reading “Untouched Gold”."

Lyn Hoare, PhD (Wyndham resident, recently-retired Australian academic)

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