Watch Deng Thiak Adut, Former Child Soldier Turned Refugee Lawyer, Thank Australia For His Education

Playing backyard cricket. Making captain’s calls. Dominating the Oscar nominations.

There are plenty of benefits to being Australian. (Sorry: ‘Strayan.)

However, this Australia Day – and every day, really – we should consider just how diverse the definition of ‘Strayan truly is, and which of our assumed rights many others in the world can only dream of.

Speaking yesterday at the NSW Australia Day address, Sudanese refugee Deng Thiak Adut expressed just how fortunate he feels to have received an education in Australia, especially considering his past as a child soldier.

During his speech, he made a point of thanking Western Sydney University for helping him to become a courtroom advocate.

"How lucky I became," he said.

"How lucky is any person who receives an education in a free land and goes on to use it in daily life."

Be moved. (You can read the full transcript here.)

Adut's story is an incredible one. He was taken from his parents as a child and forced into the People’s Liberation Army of Sudan at the age of six.

After being shot, he was smuggled out of the Sudan and into Sydney by the UN. Today, he is a practicing defence lawyer for refugees, having received his degree from Western Sydney University. Late last year, he participated in a viral advertisement for WSU. It makes everyone cry every time they watch it.

Wishing you a happy Australia Day in 2016.