Testimonials

Bachelor of Computer Science

I completed a Bachelor of Computer Science in 2015. I’ve had a passion for computer programming since high school and this degree seemed like the obvious direction for me to take because it met what I wanted. I got the score that I needed to get into the degree and started straight after I finished high school.

I didn’t face too many issues during my course - the main one was the visual nature of some of the lecture materials and having to find ways around that. This usually involved talking to the lecturers who often offered alternative arrangements, such as writing a description rather than producing a diagram or getting a tactile diagram produced if the diagram was fairly critical for understanding the content. I would also quite often get a tutor to explain a diagram or slide.

I registered with the Disability Services at the beginning of my first year. I had a Disability Services Officer who I could chat to about any issues I may have had. The support that I was provided was working through the issues with diagrams and also getting course materials in the format that I needed them, such as organising to have textbooks available electronically.

I think the services were really good – if there had ever been an issue, it’s was sorted out quickly. The Disability Services were always very supportive and I think it was a great help through my degree.

My experience at Monash was good, really smooth. My teachers were great, with some really great ones that went out of their way to do that bit extra. Outside of studies I like to keep active. I play Goal Ball, which is a sport for the blind. I also enjoy skiing in winter and cycling.

I would advise other students who might need Disability Services to make sure they’re on top of it and across everything early in their studies. This way if any issues come up, you can jump on them as early as possible so you don’t get to the end of the semester and realise you need something. Since graduating, I’ve been employed in Sydney for a large technology company.

Master of Laws (Juris Doctor)

I am currently studying the Juris Doctor at the Monash Law Chambers but fresh out of high school, I wanted to be a journalist. I started off at Monash College and after a year, completed a Diploma of Arts specialising in Journalism, Communications and Psychology. I transitioned to the Arts (Global) degree in my second year at uni. I realised journalism was no longer my 'thing', so I focused on International Relations and Politics. Law complements this perfectly.

It wasn't until my second year as an undergrad that I started to have some health problems. That shook up everything – I was confused and frustrated. I had no idea what was going on with my body. Neither did the doctors. I struggled deciding whether I should continue studying or take some time off. I then came across Disability Services and decided to register.

I've been registered with the unit for about five years now. The main service I've been provided with is having a Disability Adviser to support me in dealing with issues surrounding time constraints and assessments. The law faculty can be quite strict on class attendance, due dates and recording lectures. With the support of Disability Services I've been able to work out alternative means. I have also utilised the resting rooms in the library, which are available to everyone registered.

Registering with Disability Services reassures students that they are being supported regarding their specific circumstance. In my case, my needs were communicated better to Faculties through my Disability Adviser, as opposed to me dealing with the matter on my own and feeling emotional about it. It's proven really helpful for me and I've managed to go about my studies, as I planned. I'm still with Disability Services now.

My experience at Monash has been great. In between my undergraduate degree and my masters I went to a different university, but decided to come back to Monash. It's the best decision I've made regarding my education. I like how Monash both informs and encourages students to use the services available. The JD turned out to be the right for me and I've gotten to meet people that I have a lot in common with. Being with Disability Services has also given me the opportunity to meet other students and be a part of another community.

Outside of studies I'm a frequent traveller, and avid sports fan. I follow the tennis, NBA and Formula One religiously. I try to stay as active as I can to ease my condition but on the days I feel sluggish, I turn into a gamer.

I would encourage other students who might need Disability Services to just go in and see someone. It may be really hard to approach people – especially if you're confused about what's going on or you're embarrassed, but keep in mind that you don't have to register. Just have a chat and see what it's about. I guarantee you'll feel at ease and more confident about your situation – about what to do next. The Disability Services are a great safety net. Registering will definitely have a positive affect on your life.

Bachelor of Commerce

I'm studying Commerce and Economics and I chose this because numbers were pretty much the only things I was interested in high school. Monash has a good reputation and is pretty close to home. I didn't really want to go anywhere else.

In year 12 I had a spine operation, and that knocked me out for a while so I didn't actually do my exams. I received a derived ATAR score which came from my previous class assessment, the General Achievement Test (GAT) and my mid-year Accounting exam.

When I was in year 12 I applied and was accepted to do Enhancement Studies (now Higher Education Studies) in Economics, and I did pretty well. I took micro and macroeconomics at Caulfield. I've always liked to get a head start in things because I know if I don't it'll be harder to get ahead later on.

I wouldn't say it's been a smooth ride, but well, I'm in third year now. The hardest bit - I guess it's the same for any uni student really - was coping without all the supports you have in high school. But you become a bit more independent so it's good. For the most part I'd say I've overcome this, come exam time I still get freaked out...but I think everybody does.

I've been using the Disability Services all the way through, even in my Enhancement Studies. I've had note takers and extra time for my exams. The note takers definitely benefited me because I can't really take notes myself. And without the extra time in my exams, since I write quite slowly, I don't think I would have done as well.

My experience at Monash has been good, it's interesting, you're always learning. I've made a few Commerce friends and many of my high school friends are studying here.

I'm looking forward to graduating. I took it easier with my subject load this semester. In first year and second year I got by pretty easily but then when I started four third year subjects, after one semester I realised I couldn't do all of that.

Aside from uni, I love my football, and almost any other sport - even if I can't play it, I love to watch it.

For all future students I think you should definitely give it a shot, because you never know what institutions can do to help you out. If you don't ask you don't know. I know some people can cope and be independent; others will always need a helping hand at school, uni or even out in the workforce. Sometimes it's a bit hard to ask for help, and sometimes you don't feel like you want help, but at the end of the day, without Disability Services, I probably wouldn't be in third year now.

Bachelor of Business and Commerce

I'm studying a Bachelor of Business and Commerce with a major in tourism and management. My ATAR score was not as I expected so I first enrolled in the Diploma of Tertiary Studies (DoTS) at Monash which is a one year pathway program into the University.

I found the transition to university pretty easy as I was completely over high school. I wasn't good at the rigid routine, particularly getting up early every morning! The workload did surprise me; you have to be quite driven and disciplined. Because I have cerebral palsy it takes me longer to do things, uni has certainly taught me about time management and adjusting my social life to study hard.

Disability Services has been great at organising things like notetakers for my classes and scribes for my exams. They took me on a tour around the campus before I actually enrolled to make sure everything was physically accessible. I can easily access every room which is one of the main reasons I chose to enrol at Monash Berwick.

As far as making friends goes, I've mainly met people through my classes. It's been great. As I'm majoring in tourism I found a lot of people with the same interests and a similar passion for travel. I'm proud to say that this wheelchair has travelled a fair bit. It has been a challenge but that makes me want to travel even more!

Travel is a big thing in my life and it is what got me interested in studying tourism, particularly the lack of accessibility in certain hotels and attractions around the world. My ultimate job would be in management of a hotel chain and making sure they meet accessibility and rating standards. Destination branding also interests me. Professionally I'm extremely determined.

My advice to other students is that if you don't know what you want to do when you leave school that's okay. If you don't get the VCE results you're hoping for it's not the be all and end all, there's always another way. Study something like DoTS.

I've loved my time at Monash, I really have. I've almost finished but it's definitely something I would do all over again.

Master of Laws (Juris Doctor)

Previously I studied a Bachelor of Science and an Honours degree in Psychology at another university. Now, I'm studying a Juris Doctor (Master of Law) at Monash Law Chambers. I chose to study law because, after my undergraduate studies, I worked in advocacy and community sectors and through this I developed an interest in the legal system and policy. Ultimately, my career goal is to practice as a lawyer upon completion of my studies. I'm also interested in social policy and hope to incorporate that into my career pathway.

During my studies, the most ongoing challenge that I've faced is that my disability affect my typing speed, which means that I have to dedicate more time to my studies relative to my non-disabled peers. I have accepted this as a reality and allocated time to my studies accordingly. In doing so, I've been able to achieve high academic results across the majority of my studies. It has also been helpful to reflect on my study methods to focus on the readings and course materials that are most relevant to assessment tasks in an effort to use my time most efficiently. Throughout my studies I've used note-takers for my lectures. I've also received additional time to complete assignments and exams, which enables me to demonstrate my knowledge on set tasks notwithstanding the fact they may disability affect my typing speed.

I've enjoyed studying at Monash. I've found the academic and administrative staff to be accommodating. I find the content of my course intellectually stimulating. On an extracurricular level, I've been involved in the Progressive Law Network (PLN), a network or law students and legal professionals working to promote social justice through the law. I was involved in organising the PLN annual conference last year. Through this, I have met like-minded students and formed valuable friendships.

My main hobby outside of university is playing board games. I enjoy strategy games like Settlers of Catan, PowerGrid and Agricola. I found a board games group through a website called Meetup and we play games together at a local pub once a fortnight. Apart from playing games, I also enjoy catching up with friends and cooking different types of cuisines.

The most useful thing that I have found with respect to my career development was to take up volunteer and professional development opportunities that are related to my intended vocational pathway. For example, last year I was accepted into an internship at Services Australia. The internship was advertised through Disability Services and offered as part of the Step Into Program, which is a national program offering internships specifically to tertiary students with a disability. I found that this facilitated my career development, in providing me with experience in the public service sector, as well as furthering my experience in project management and policy development. Immediately following my internship, I secured a position at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission where I now work part-time as a Policy and Project Officer. This is highly relevant to my ultimate career goal to practise as a lawyer upon completion of my studies and hence I anticipate I will facilitate this goal.

In terms of what I have found helpful while at university, I've found it useful to negotiate disability supports as early on in the academic year as possible. Even if you have a disability or condition that is periodic, it is often useful to register and explain your situation to Disability Services ahead of time rather than waiting until issues arise. This makes it easier to set out workable solutions earlier on to minimise disruptions and the impact of your disability on your studies. Ultimately, this enables you to demonstrate your academic skills and to achieve the best results that you can.

Bachelor of Business

When I finished VCE I received an ATAR score which got me into the Berwick campus, and at the time I wanted to do Tourism and Management. So, I got into Monash Berwick in 2011, but I forwent that and enrolled in another university and started another Tourism degree. I did that for a year and I decided "hang on a minute; this is not right for me".

I then decided to apply to Monash Caulfield and in 2012 and was accepted into the Bachelor of Business; I was elated! That was one of my happiest moments. I came to Monash also because I wanted to be reunited with my friends, the people with whom I went to high school.

There have been some difficulties with some subjects, like economics because it is highly conceptual, and law was difficult because it requires a different way of thinking and a different way of articulating the responses to a question.

I have been registered with the Disability Services for one year now. I am in my second year of study, so basically, I am nearly half way. I've been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, my condition means that I am a person with anxiety and I struggle... I tend to focus on one part of a question and I struggle to move on to the next section of the question. So what Disability Services has done, they were very equitable, thankfully. I have extra time in my exams, so that caters to my needs.

My statistics lecturer was very equitable; he was willing to spend extra time with me. And with his help, I got 93 in the subject.

I have made new friends at Monash. I joined the Christian Union. I met this girl in Chinese class, and she invited me to join, that was a gateway to making a lot of friends and you get to see so many people from different facets of life. I also play the violin, and I play a lot of classical music, mainly Romantic music, Debussy, Tchaikovsky and virtuosic violin showpieces.

I advise people to take opportunities as they are given to you, use the services that are available to your advantage. I also advise future students who intend to come to Monash to study - never give up. You may find an avenue with perseverance. And, you know, create networks. Networks are important because they can guide you through your studies, at whatever institution that you are studying.

I find, that given Monash is one of the Group of Eight universities, one of the leading research-intensive universities in Australia, being at Monash has enlightened me, I feel enlightened. I feel that I'm devouring knowledge, and you know, I feel that that Monash's motto rings true as far as my studies are concerned, Ancora Imparo, which means I am still learning. Because no one knows everything, there's always more to learn

Bachelor of Business

I am studying a Bachelor of Business, which I chose because it's a flexible course that gives me options for many different career paths and I have a strong desire to take up any challenging task. When I finish my degree I'm looking forward to making a difference in the business world.

I worked extremely hard to overcome difficulties so that I could do well in my VCE, get a suitable ATAR, and eventually realise this ambition to be accepted into Business at Monash.

I have bilateral profound deafness, which means that I have a high degree of hearing loss, and I definitely found it hard attending lectures and tutorials. Having no hearing, I end up depending on lip-reading a lot in order to get by, and sometimes the study environment is not always conducive to lip-reading because of things like poor lighting, distances from lecturers/tutors and even lecturers talking too fast.

I've been using Disability Services since my first year at Monash - mainly the notetaking service for lectures and tutorials which has helped me to get a better understanding of what is going on in class.

I have the notes taken by the notetakers, but I still have to work really hard on my own to read and study my textbooks for each subject, download PowerPoint slides from each lecture and make my own summary notes of each subject.

My first year at uni was probably the hardest, as adapting to a new environment meant facing some new challenges. I didn't know anyone then and I had to get used to the lectures and tutorials, but things definitely improved by the time second year came around, and I've found my feet at Monash. I've made some new friends in tutorials and while working on group projects, so from there on I've been able to extend my network of friends.

Some of my highlights at Monash were a result of getting involved in the clubs and societies, and attending the Caulfield Arts Society's events.

When I'm not at uni, I like to keep busy and pursue interests such as improving my photography skills and going out with friends.

I would advise any student either coming to Monash, or already at Monash, that if they feel like they might need some extra help, to contact Disability Services, and ask about how their services might benefit your learning. However, I would add that ultimately success is the result of your own hard work and determination.

PhD Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

I'm doing a PhD through the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences in the Hudson Institute of Medical Research (near the Monash Medical Centre, Clayton). I chose to do my PhD because I'd like to become a medical researcher, researching a disease that significantly impacts people such as influenza and malaria. I also felt that a PhD would best utilise my academic abilities and gifts, where I'm challenged and stimulated to work hard on something I'm passionate about. Lastly, I chose a PhD at Monash University to take advantage of the professional development opportunities, preparing me for any future endeavours. My PhD followed an honours year as part of a Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program), majoring in physiology and immunology and with minors in mathematics and biochemistry - also at Monash University.

The biggest challenge I've faced in my degree was the increase in workload as I transitioned form high school to first year university. The coursework was taught at a more rapid pace than I'd expected and I didn't know how to effectively manage my time to balance assignments and have time to relax. However, I was able to reflect on why I had chosen to do the degree in the first place and become more focused and devoted to studying in a university environment. As a result I was able to achieve high marks throughout my degree.

I've been with Monash Disability Services for five years. The services I was offered include rest breaks and the use of a computer during exams. The rest breaks gave me a fall-back in case I felt overwhelmed during exams and using a computer alleviated the problem of having unclear handwriting in my responses. My experience at Monash University has been amazing. Monash University is a stimulating environment to study and I learned quite a lot from the units that I studied and the resources that I accessed. There are a lot of opportunities in Monash that I took and these have also contributed to my personal growth. My lecturers and other students knew me well because I asked a lot of questions during the lecture. I got along well with my lecturers and had great relationships with them. I also made some very close friends throughout my degree as we were studying the same units. In particular, I have one group of friends that I worked together with during my second year of university, where we supported each other in the units that we were studying. I still catch up with them often to share what we are doing in the present.

The extracurricular activities I was involved in were definitely the highlight of my studies. I did the Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program in my second year which was very stimulating and exposed me to various aspects of leadership. I also formed networks with students from other faculties that I still get in contact with. Another highlight for me was the impetus of community involvement in Monash University, where I've been able to do some volunteer tutoring under Embrace Education and Access Monash, tutoring disadvantaged students in secondary schools within my local community.

I would advise students who may require Disability Services to not be afraid to register. The staff are really kind and want you to do well. They offer a lot of services that you can take advantage of to study well in university, despite any disabilities that you have. Using the services allows you to complete your studies to the best of your ability without worrying about any disadvantage that you may face.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2013 I have volunteered and been employed in the health and rehabilitation sector. In 2014 I had a viewpoint article published in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, exploring the National Disability Insurance Scheme and occupational therapy, based on my experience with living with impairment and understanding of occupational therapy and compensation schemes. Following this I was given the opportunity by Monash to assist with student learning, and am now completing a Master of Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice, with the intention of using my skills and experience to enhance student learning in tertiary education.

I finished year 12 in 2003, and didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I worked during my gap' year (turned out to be a rather long gap year!). When I was at school, I knew I wanted a decent job and that I would probably go to university, in IT or graphics or something along those lines. Then I had my car accident in 2004 and was in hospital and rehab until March 2006. This was the catalyst for my interest in studying occupational therapy. I had never given any thought to an Allied Health or Health Science type of degree. I began studying at Monash in 2008.

After the accident, I saw how Allied Health workers are involved in helping people to increase their independence and how they enable people to do the things they want. During this time I met Mike, who was my case manager. He also had a spinal cord injury but led an active fulfilling life post-injury. This was incredibly motivational and inspirational. Having a mentor in a similar situation has been great and offered a lot of hope for the future. Becoming an occupational therapist would position me perfectly to offer this to other people following injury.

My time in rehab really showed me how important occupational therapists are in assisting someone who has been injured to get their life back on track - especially in ways that I hadn't thought about before, such as modifying the home environment and the use of adaptive equipment. Over time I have learnt the importance of helping people take the next step in their recovery and to get back into work and education roles, or other meaningful roles or activities people enjoy.

Originally I was accepted into Health Science/Social Work, which was a way of getting my foot in the door at Monash. After completing one year of Health Science, I applied to transfer into the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (OT). The first year of OT was completed part time over two years, which allowed me to ease into it and manage the busy first year workload.

I met with the Disability Liaison Unit at the start of my time at Monash, whom organised some assessments to identify if any supports were required due to my impairment. Disability Services organised my exams so that I had a bit of extra time. Aside from that, though, I've pretty much been mainstreamed with everyone else in all of my other assessments.

My experience at Monash has been quite positive, other students and teachers are generally understanding of my situation which has helped make uni life a little easier. Students studying occupational therapy and other health disciplines are usually open-minded and understanding to people who have an impairment or disability, which helps create a more supportive learning environment and helped me to integrate into student life.

I've had very good relationships with my teachers. I usually introduce myself and have a bit of chat with the unit coordinators at the start of the semester to let them know about my current situation and how best to achieve learning outcomes.

I enjoy keeping active so go to the gym regularly. Maintaining fitness is important for a number of reasons including lifting my chair in and out of the car and the endurance required in daily life. Studying at university is pretty full-on, so life has been pretty busy for the past few years.

My advice to other Monash students who might need support from Disability Services would be to go and speak with them to find out about what they can do for you. Monash staff have always been willing to put in the extra effort to make your time a bit easier.

Bachelor of Arts

I'm studying a Bachelor of Arts, with a double major in Human Rights Theory and Sociology. I'm also thinking about doing a Law minor.

I am from Gippsland and when I completed my year 12 studies I decided to come to Monash. My journey has been quite challenging in the sense that I've had a lot of surgery. I had to do my VCE over three years and wait until I was better before I could attend uni. What sparked my interest in tertiary education was probably completing a Certificate II in Community Services - it was then I felt I could do something else with my life. And when my Monash offer came out I thought 'yay this is great!' - and I love it.

I have faced some challenges. I moved into Monash Residential Services, and live at Deakin Hall. That was really challenging, as I was previously dependent on my grandparents for a lot of support so it was a big step for me to decide that I wanted to be independent. Finding the finances to do so was hard because I'm also from a low socio-economic group, so getting the funding for my wheelchair and my personal care alarm was rather challenging. I've some financial support along the way and I have very supportive family. I'm also the first in my family to go to uni so my family sometimes find it difficult to understand academics, and what it means to be at uni.

I've made some really nice friends at Deakin Hall, and they've been so supportive in helping me with the basic tasks that sometimes I can't do - especially when I'm sick or fatigued. Talking to lecturers has been really good, and they've been really supportive about navigating my health around uni. The counselling service and some seminars on how to cope with stress have also been really great.

Prior to deciding to come to Monash I made an appointment with the Disability Services to be shown around the campus. I use a range of services and resources such notetakers in class, resting rooms and the Adaptive Technology Rooms - which are really cool. I receive assistance from the Disability and Lending Services Assistant; she's really friendly and she helps me out when some of the shelves are pretty high and narrow. I also have alternative arrangements for assessments which give me extra time and use of a computer in exams which helps me not to stress so much. Just knowing that the Disability Services is there is a really good thing.

My experience at Monash has been very challenging, but I don't regret it. I love how open the university community is and that a lot of the people around are very helpful and supportive. Being engaged in the university community has given me a lot of confidence to pursue other things. I never really knew anyone who came from an academic background so I am being academically mentored and it's great having such support systems in place. My mind's just exploding with how much I've been able to learn and how much I've been able to cope with.

Probably just coming here has been my number one highlight. Since then I've been accepted into the Ancora Imparo student leadership program as well as being part of the Faculty of Arts Peers Ambassadors Leaders program.

I do like to party and dance a lot. Apart from that I'm always looking for opportunities to enhance my knowledge around human rights and to assist in other people's learning. I like music and a lot of reality TV shows. I also write a blog, Beautiful Contemplations, about my journey to make sense of the world as a young woman with a physical disability and mental illness.

I would advise any prospective students to contact the DLU and be really upfront with all your lecturers. There’s no need to be embarrassed about your condition at all – it may be a part of you, but it doesn’t define you. Just strive for your dreams - that’s my main advice.