In 2023, I was a first-year student studying a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design. I started university relatively late, enrolling at the age of 23. At first, I felt somewhat behind my peers. After all, most people my age were already in their third or fourth year. However, as a self-confessed ‘overachiever’, I soon found myself enjoying the challenge of trying to ‘catch up’ to them. I pushed myself for the best possible marks, participated in clubs, and generally aimed to make the most of university life. It was all quite demanding, but despite that, I loved every second of it.
I think that’s why, when I started to get sick, I ignored it. Even into 2024, as my symptoms became chronic and disabling, I kept telling myself that it was all in my head. That if I could just ‘push through’, I’d be fine. I knew that the university had tools to help me, but I refused to use them. Even when I reached the point where I was too sick to leave my bed, I dismissed my suffering as an issue of weakness. I told myself I simply wasn’t ‘trying hard enough’.
As my health continued to decline, so did the quality of my university work. I went from being a straight Distinction student to barely passing my assignments, even though I was putting in more effort than ever just to stay afloat. Eventually, I wasn’t passing at all, and I risked failing my courses outright. I had to make the devastating decision to drop my courses on the last day of term and apply for a medical leave of absence for the rest of the year. My identity as a student, let alone as an overachiever, was shattered. I had lost my purpose, my independence, and my sense of self.
Looking back, I certainly wish I had been kinder to myself at the time. I treated my illness as some sort of ‘punishment’ or personal failure, but the truth is that’s just not how chronic illness works. Ultimately, we can’t control our bodies, and it’s actually common for young adults to develop health issues in their 20s. An estimated 77% of young people in Australia (about 3 in 4) have one or more chronic health issues, including mental health conditions. If the majority of people require extra support to get things done, then there’s no reason to be ashamed or to beat yourself up if you end up being one of them.
I know that if I had my time back, there are a whole bunch of things I would have done differently. Firstly, I would have reached out to my tutors much sooner. When I eventually let them know that I was unwell, I found everyone to be kind, accommodating, and respectful. I expected to be judged far more than I actually was; instead, it was a huge weight off my shoulders to have everyone on the same page.
I also wish I had understood that AccessAbility is for anyone who needs it. Nobody is judging who ‘deserves’ to receive accommodations. Whether it’s a temporary or permanent condition, AccessAbility is meant to help you. Each Reasonable Adjustment Plan is tailored to your specific circumstances and course, so they can range from extra time on tests to hired mobility aids to help you get around campus. Even if you have a plan in place, you don’t necessarily have to follow it if your condition improves or fluctuates. It’s absolutely worth contacting them as soon as possible if you need support, even if you think you don’t ‘need’ it.
Lastly, I wish I had known that taking a break was an option. While it’s amazing that the university is so ready to accommodate students, there are situations where you may need to take a leave of absence. I realised fairly early in the year that I shouldn’t have been studying, but I enrolled anyway, partially because I didn’t know that I didn’t have to. I also had the opportunity to drop my courses by the census date, which I wish I had considered more seriously. I could have avoided paying course fees for classes I couldn’t attend! Although it’s not a decision made lightly, I promise your degree will be waiting for you if you decide to step back. It’s always worth prioritising your health.
If you’re a high achiever like me and find it challenging to prioritise your health, the university offers helpful resources on perfectionism, along with various PDFs and support tools designed to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing. When you’re ready to reach out, the university provides personal and academic support services to assist you with your studies. These services include counselling, chaplaincy, financial wellbeing, and health and wellbeing tips.
It’s already hard being a full-time student, but it can feel nearly impossible when life gets in the way. I hope anyone who may be going through something similar to what I’ve experienced knows that they have options and that they don’t have to suffer alone.
