In August 2019, I moved to Malaysia from Mauritius to pursue a degree in International Business at Sunway University. Little did I know that two and a half years of my academic life would happen in a room behind a laptop screen. Yes, I am one of the students who have had COVID-19 leave an indelible mark on their academic experience. Nevertheless, I would describe my journey at Sunway University as nothing less than memorable. Allow me to tell you why.

Even though most of my time was spent online, the opportunities that came my way at Sunway University were still enriching. I joined clubs, including Sunway Student Volunteers to Sunway Business School Student Concilium, Peer Assisted Learning Programme, Sunway-Harvard Project for Asians and International Relations, participated in business competitions, and co-founded and led Sunway International Business Society (SIBS). Some may think that students who complete their studies online may lack experience. Conversely, Sunway University has allowed me to hold positions and have experiences that many other students have not been able to.

Hailing from a small island, these experiences were meaningful to me. I received the Outstanding Leadership Award and the Commitment to Service Award for my contribution to SIBS. I was able to help SIBS win the Uprising Club Award, and one of our events, FashionFarm, won Best Event of the Year. In all the extra-curricular activities I have been involved in, I met incredible individuals from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds who contributed to my growth, including my programme leader, lecturers, and friends. I even got to network outside the university and meet great mentors. Having excelled academically, personally, and professionally, my holistic experience at Sunway University allowed me to graduate as the Valedictorian of Sunway Business School in February 2023.

All the opportunities I got allowed me to build and refine my leadership and interpersonal skills, which have undoubtedly prepared me for the working world. Words fall short of expressing my gratitude to all lecturers, club advisors, and Sunway University for accommodating the changes that came with COVID-19. Adapting to the new normal was initially a hard transition for all of us, but, as students, we were always provided with excellent support. Some lecturers even went above and beyond to care for students by creating support groups, which were truly helpful for international students.

My university life was full of challenges as an international student amidst a pandemic, but it helped shape a stronger me. As Napoleon Hill once said: “The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.” 

From being an introverted individual who moved to Malaysia with big dreams to an extroverted person who carved herself new paths. It may sound cliche, but that has been my journey at Sunway University summed up.

Edited by
Arumugam Muthusamy
Sunway Business School
Email: @email