University life isn't always straightforward. Yasmin's journey through a Bachelor of Law and Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) double degree while managing chronic illness proves that with the right support and mindset, challenges can become stepping stones to success.

Early connections through the Monash Scholars program

Yasmin's relationship with Monash began in high school through the Monash Scholars program. Although much of the initial program was online due to COVID, as campus visits resumed, it became "a really great way to become involved in the university and get familiar with the environment."

The program opened her eyes to Monash's possibilities. "I gained an understanding of the opportunities that Monash could provide, as well as its academic strength," she reflects. "It really encouraged me to want to go to Monash as I understood the degree options I'd have, and it made being part of the university feel achievable."

Choosing the right double degree

Yasmin's decision to study Law/PPE was both practical and passion-driven. "I was always pretty sure I would study law – coming from a middle-class family where my parents didn't have much choice in their career fields, they wanted me to pick a degree I was both interested in and had good prospects for financial success." She knew she wanted a double degree to accommodate her diverse interests. "PPE seemed really interesting and felt like it gave me more direction than arts," though she admits she wasn't entirely certain – her second choice was Law/Accounting!

The double degree structure has been perfect for her learning style. "At school, I always enjoyed doing a broad range of subjects and ensuring variety in what I was learning. It's nice to take a break from working on law units to work on PPE units – which are broad and varied on their own – and vice versa. It has helped me avoid feeling limited in the shift from high school." Yasmin started her degrees with the presumption that you need to be smarter to do a double degree and the workload is heavier. What she realised is that "it's no more onerous than doing a single degree. It just means you have a broader range of study and spend an extra year at university!"

One of the most pleasant surprises has been the interconnection between her subjects. The first-year unit "Big Ideas in PPE" exemplifies this beautifully, applying politics, philosophy, and economics to Australian immigration issues while she simultaneously studied law subjects. "One was teaching me about the considerations that go into creating laws, and the other was teaching me about how laws are actually enacted and implemented. It's helped give me a more holistic understanding of both areas."

What she enjoys most about the double degree is the exposure to diverse perspectives: "Getting to hear opinions and ideas I never would have even thought of! Especially in 'Big Ideas,' I found it both shocking and enlightening to hear perspectives from students who all came from different backgrounds."

Navigating health challenges

Managing chronic health conditions while transitioning to university presented unexpected challenges for Yasmin. "I learnt to manage them in high school, but with the transition to university, I experienced some really bad flare-ups and struggled to attend classes at times or have the time and energy to get to know people."

It was initially very daunting for Yasmin as she didn't have a support system set up, but studying at a university offered advantages. "In some ways, it's been easier, as university being more self-guided means you're able to self-manage what you can do on any given day. Unit material is available online and seminars are recorded, which I can access any time."

When needed, she's relied on special considerations, finding that "the university has shown a great deal of flexibility in allowing extensions when my health has been worse, which has helped take stress and pressure off."

Joining the Monash Association of Debaters

Yasmin recently joined the Monash Association of Debaters – a decision that's transformed her university experience. "I loved debating in high school but was too nervous to join in my first year," she admits. "However, I met a friend in my second year who is a Training Officer in the club and encouraged me to go along."

Yasmin has made some great friends by getting involved in this extracurricular activity and has developed more self-confidence. "It's such an inviting space and has been a great way to meet new people, hone my speaking skills, and develop confidence. I've enjoyed going to their debates, which they hold twice weekly. It's a super friendly and supportive space to try debating and even get involved in competitions against other universities."

Avoiding a common mistake first-year students make

“The most common mistake first-year students make is burning themselves out too quickly at the beginning of the semester,” says Yasmin. “When I started university, I was filled with motivation and excitement. I tackled all of the assignments and even completed the extra readings for every class, even though I already had a good understanding of the material. However, keeping up this pace across four subjects for an entire semester is challenging, especially when you are also working and trying to maintain a social life!

I think what first-years should be aware of is being smart with how they approach their work - if you are confident in something, don't dwell on it; instead, pace yourself so you can keep up your effort all semester long!”

Advice to future students

“My advice would be to put yourself out there. As tempting as it is, don't restrict yourself to your high school friendships. That’ll only limit you and make it more nerve-wracking down the track to meet new people in classes. You’ll get used to making new friends and finding people to spend your classes with, even if it sounds daunting at first.

Also, the first people you meet don't need to be your friends forever. Eventually, you will find where you belong. The more people you try to get to know, the more familiar faces you will have in future classes!”