Aaron: Focus on developing your abilities, engage in campus activities, and one day, give back to society as a proud university alumnus.
HEY there,
Congratulations on receiving an offer to a tertiary institution!
I am proud of your continuous effort in overcoming challenges in both school and life, and your achievement in reaching this triumphant stage.
Now, stepping into uncharted territory may fill you with uncertainty.
Forming the camaraderie you can rely on in the coming years can be daunting, especially when everyone around you seems more capable.
Moving between lecture halls can be exhausting with a disability, and even worse are the unseen struggles as you push yourself forward among peers who appear carefree and excited to begin university life.
After all, every question in your mind may boil down to one: How can I stay afloat for the next four years?
Before diving into the tips, get the basics right: you are on your own path, and in control of your own destiny.
The world has changed too, from valuing academic guarantees to prizing adaptability above all.
Among the countless university survival tips out there, I have summed up mine into ABC.
A for acquisition
Build a network of contacts early on. Start with your dormitory roommate. Make the effort to hang out weekly and show genuine enthusiasm in building a friendship that works both ways.
Once trust is built, speak openly about your challenges and request reasonable help, such as asking for assistance with mobility when needed.
Communicate with your lecturers about suitable accommodations, like sitting at the front of the lecture hall to see clearly.
Also, prepare for adjustments before moving into your dormitory. Ask the admissions office if you can visit your dormitory room a day earlier with your parents. Check for any obstacles to mobility, such as uneven inclines, and request a change if necessary.
Register with the university’s support office for available aid, such as applying for monthly allowances, and discuss your mobility plan with the faculty, from classroom access to nearby bus stops and dormitory routes.
Never hesitate to seek help; there are always people willing to lend a hand on your journey.
B for balance
Balance means respecting boundaries, both yours and others’.
Practise taking turns and active listening in conversations. Use simple cues to start discussions, such as recent events in class or topics your friends are familiar with.
Listen attentively and avoid interrupting, as abrupt interjections can cause your friend to lose their train of thought. Observe facial cues too. For example, an uneasy expression might mean it’s time to change the topic or wrap up politely.
Be considerate in the dormitory. Avoid loud music or disruptions that may disturb others, and respect your roommate’s lights-out schedule.
Also, balance others’ expectations with your own academic, mental and physical health goals.
You know best what you want to achieve at university. Discuss with your parents what you hope to accomplish during the first week, midterm, and final week. Seek guidance from a student adviser to help you progress without falling into anxiety or burnout.
While you are figuring things out, join a peer support group on campus. Participate in skill-building workshops and social meetups to develop confidence and feel a stronger sense of belonging.
C for compassion
Accept that adjusting to university life takes time. Allow yourself to experience uncertainty without rejecting it.
You are unique, just like many successful graduates with disabilities before you, such as Nur Amiratul Farahin, a deaf artist from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan who designed the souvenirs for the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Filter the advice you receive, even from well-meaning but ableist classmates. Ask yourself: Does this benefit me in the long run? If not, let it go.
This principle has protected me from mental distress caused by others’ opinions and judgments.
With compassion, continue forward with courage. Bounce back from challenges with grit and determination. Seek help from a counsellor if you ever feel mentally suffocated.
View university as a platform to grow your potential, not just a means to earn a degree.
Remember, your choices are your own. You don’t need to fit into someone else’s mould, especially if it doesn’t align with your personality or strengths.
Focus on developing your abilities, engage in campus activities, and one day, give back to society as a proud university alumnus.
Once again, thank you for choosing university as your way forward.
Enjoy your time there. Work hard, play hard, learn hard, and stay healthy.
I wish you fulfilment in everything you do.
Full speed ahead!
Aaron, 20, a student in Johor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 Write a short letter expressing a challenge you are currently facing as a student. Swap letters with a friend and reply with a message of encouragement. Read the letters aloud in class, and have the class give feedback on how well the responses express advice or empathy.
2 Create a “Poster of Positivity” using words and pictures cut out from today’s newspaper. Your poster should motivate students to grow and achieve success in their learning journey.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
