From three suitcases to graduation
Who would have thought this day would come so fast? I cannot believe that I am finished with my undergraduate degree! I blinked and just like that, three years have passed!
I feel like it was just yesterday as a 19-year-old I arrived on the Gold Coast from Abu Dhabi with three suitcases and a mix of emotions. Fear, anxiousness and excitement engulfed me as I began this new chapter in my life. I had never been to Australia before, and did not know what to expect. However, I definitely did not expect that the past three years would change my life so much.
Living by myself in a foreign country as an international student has taught me many things but most notably –
The importance of believing in myself
I cannot tell you how many times I was so close to giving up and returning home during my study. Through the support of family and friends, I realised that it is important that I trust myself and the process. It’s okay to be afraid of the unknown, but what isn’t okay is doubting yourself. I did it, so you can do it too.
The significance of family and friends
If it wasn’t for the constant support of my family and friends, I would not have been able to survive the past three years. They provided compassion, kindness, comfort and support. With apps like Skype and Facetime, we can connect with our families at the click of a button which makes communicating with them easy. Going to clubs or social events at university is an easy way of making friends too! Maybe even strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you at that boring two-hour lecture!
Personal growth is inevitable
Being away from familiarity and having to take care of your own self is a big deal that I don’t think international students get enough credit for. Mum isn’t washing your clothes or cooking your food anymore! I can confidently say that I am a completely different person now than I was when I first arrived. You will become stronger and more independent.
The past few years at Griffith University and the Gold Coast are so memorable for me. Now that I am finished with my undergraduate degree, I will be relocating to Melbourne and commencing my postgraduate studies in Politics and International Relations. To say that I am excited for the future is an understatement!
I am proud to say I’m a Griffith Alumni & I am grateful for having had the chance to be a member of the Griffith Collective. Congratulations fellow graduates and best of luck to you who are still studying!
Thank you,
Ola Khalil