"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." - A. A. Milne
This is the story of a boy who changed his life simply by changing his perspective. My journey cannot be told without mentioning the resilience I found through my time at RMIT.
It all began back in high school, when I wandered through different options for higher education, feeling lost while others around me seemed so certain of their paths. I hesitated when it came to choosing RMIT, unsure if it was the right place to start this chapter of my life, never realizing just how thankful I would later be for this decision.
Ever since I was young, my parents filled my world with wisdom from endless books and stories. This gave me a unique way of seeing life: I tried to notice people's behaviors, listen to their feelings and always offer empathy. Yet, despite these efforts, I became even more unsure of myself. No matter how I tried to fit in or adapt, the 'voice inside my head' kept telling me it was never enough. This invisible pressure hung over me for years. The more I tried to understand everyone else's needs, the more afraid I became of doing something wrong, worried about consequences I couldn't predict.
Everything changed when I walked through the doors of RMIT.
On my first day at RMIT, my heart raced not just with excitement, but with that old fear I knew so well. Would I blend in? Would I be able to speak up and show the real me? I remember watching groups of students laughing together, effortlessly weaving their stories into the bustling campus air and I wondered if I could ever belong in that world.
I still remember the first time I had a conversation with a group of friends at RMIT. It wasn't strange or forced, just people naturally sharing stories, letting the words flow without guilt or judgment. For the first time, I realized how easy it could be to blend in and connect with others when you're truly yourself. There was no need to pretend and no fear of saying the wrong thing. That moment taught me something essential: people cannot guess what you need or how you feel unless you speak up. Sharing openly became my bridge to understanding and friendship.
This sense of openness didn't end with that first conversation. RMIT uplifted me in ways I never expected. In every class, in passing exchanges, or in heated group debates, I could feel my ideas being genuinely listened to, even when they seemed odd or out of place.
There, every voice was valued and it became clear that it wasn't about saying the "right" thing; it was about contributing honestly, without fear. The more courage I found to express myself, the more I discovered how deeply rewarding true connection can be. At RMIT, I didn't just expand my academic knowledge; I also learned that being vulnerable and speaking my truth are powerful strengths, not flaws.
I became part of a community where curiosity was genuinely celebrated. No one was left on the sidelines because every opinion, no matter how unusual, was welcomed and considered. Mistakes weren't something to hide; they became stepping stones for growth, often met with encouragement or even laughter. My lecturers would pause and invite us to share, making everyone's input matter. In group projects and class discussions, I saw my classmates stumble over words too and realized none of us were alone. Instead of judgment, there was understanding; instead of silence, there was support. Together, we learned from each other's uniqueness and built the kind of connections I'll carry with me long after I leave these corridors of knowledge.
"I became part of a community where no one was left on the sidelines."
Gradually, I realized that everyone was trying to find their own place, just like me. Many of them held their own insecurities, some better hidden, some worn on their sleeves. The more honest and open I became, the more genuine connections I made. Through heartfelt conversations, stumbling confessions and shared vulnerabilities, I learned that being authentic was far more powerful than striving for perfection.
RMIT gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and to turn my fears into strengths. By raising my hand in class, by asking questions that made my voice shake and by joining discussions that pulled me from my own field, I started shaping a mindset rooted in growth, not limitation. I learned that true confidence isn't about having all the answers; it's about trusting yourself enough to be seen, flaws and all.
My journey with RMIT is far from over because I still have two more years filled with new lessons, growth and opportunities waiting for me. I’m excited to keep learning, exploring the unknown and seeing where this path takes me, knowing that every step of the way, I have the support to bring out my best self.
As someone who believes that every story is enriched by the wisdom that frames its beginning and end, I'd like to close with words that speak to the heart of my experience and aspirations:
The journey of learning is not about reaching a destination, but about finding the courage to step forward, ask questions and let each discovery shape who you become.
