Sara Gautam

Bachelor's student

Growing up moving between Kelapa Gading and BSD City, Sara Gautam was always attuned to the dynamic pace of city life in Indonesia. Raised by parents who were both academics, education was never merely a requirement in her household—it was a core value.

From an early age, Sara developed a deep curiosity about technology and human connection, particularly how social media platforms use algorithms to shape online behavior and digital interaction.

"Because of my background, I’ve always been quite ambitious about what I want to achieve," Sara says. "I picture myself starting my career in a corporate environment, gaining as much experience as I can, and eventually using everything I’ve learned to build something of my own in Artificial Intelligence."

Yet, as her transition to higher education approached, an underlying uncertainty began to take root. Having completed her high school years online, Sara had spent crucial years away from traditional, face-to-face classroom environments. The prospect of stepping into a bustling university campus brought daunting questions.

"I didn’t have as many opportunities to interact with people face-to-face," she admits. "As I was preparing for university, I often wondered, 'What will it be like when I’m suddenly surrounded by so many new people? Will I be able to make friends? Will I be able to fit in?'"

Stepping onto campus at Monash quickly disproved those worries. Rather than an intimidating or impersonal environment, Sara discovered an inclusive community where staff and academics actively prioritized student wellbeing.

Surrounded by peers from diverse academic programs and backgrounds, the social environment she had feared became one of the most rewarding parts of her university life.

"What surprised me most was how much the people around me contributed to that experience," Sara reflects. "The staff genuinely emphasize looking out for one another. It made me realize university isn’t only about attending classes and getting good grades—there is a real student community encouraging you to connect, think creatively, and grow together."

Having grown up in an academic family, Sara initially brought immense self-imposed pressure to excel in her studies. However, a pivotal conversation with an educator shifted her entire outlook on success.

Monash helped me bloom into an improved version of myself that I thought I could never become. ”

An educator pointed out to Sara that while grades matter at university, they are far from the only measure of a person's future or potential.

"That advice made me think differently about what I was actually trying to achieve," she says. "I started to realize that university was also the place to develop the skills I would need outside the classroom—learning how to communicate, work as part of a team, manage my time, and adapt when things don’t go according to plan."

That newfound perspective proved vital when Sara navigated the academic rigor of her Bachelor of Information Technology degree. Managing multiple complex assignments and deadlines initially felt overwhelming, sparking moments of self-doubt.

Rather than viewing those feelings as a sign of inadequacy, Sara learned to break down her workload, reach out for guidance, and embrace her own pace.

"I used to see feeling overwhelmed as a sign that I wasn’t capable," she explains. "Now, I see it as part of the process of learning something new. It taught me to be patient with myself and trust that I can adapt."

Crucially, Monash provided an environment where she felt safe to express her thoughts openly. "Monash makes me feel like I shouldn't feel guilty whenever I share my ideas," she adds. "Belonging isn't about having everything figured out—it's about knowing you have people around you who support you, challenge you, and grow alongside you."

Today, Sara looks back on her journey not just as an academic progression, but as a holistic personal transformation. By stepping outside her comfort zone, she has built meaningful connections across faculties, sharpened her technical ambitions in IT, and gained unwavering confidence in her own voice.

"I came here thinking university would teach me what I need to know for my career," Sara says. "Instead, it has also taught me how to connect with people, become more confident, adapt to challenges, and understand the kind of person I want to become."