Being a higher education student is an experience that is designed and intended to challenge you, to reward you, and to bring out the best in you. Anyone who has ever been a university or college student knows this all too well. They also know that this is very much an experience that can break you down if you are not in a place where you are ready, willing, and able to take on the challenges and make the most of every opportunity.
For me, my university experience has been (for the most part) overwhelmingly positive. Monash University is a university that is [incredibly beneficial](https://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-ogbeifun/20-tips-to-help-you-ace-y_b_6017086.html). It is also an environment that has proven time and again that if you are willing and able to put in the work, then it is willing and able to meet you halfway. You get out what you put in. For me personally, the experience that I had at Monash is one that, while it did challenge me at times, made me into the strong individual that I am today.
**My incredible university experience**
Being a [university student](https://www.forbes.com/sites/francesbridges/2018/04/28/the-5-best-life-tips-for-college-graduates/#28ecd8295a83) is an experience that can definitely be overwhelming (to say the least). When I first stepped foot on campus, I was incredibly excited however I was definitely also quite anxious. I was a freshman. However, within a day or two it was so obvious that I had chosen absolutely the right university for me and that I was going to be getting my higher education experience in the most well suited environment for someone like myself. Monash has met and even sometimes exceeded every expectation I had for university.
**The importance of finding your way**
For me, my [university experience[(https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/mar/22/the-great-learning-curve-how-to-improve-your-study-habits) has been incredible. The importance of finding your way through higher education is definitely sometimes unfortunately lost amid the chaos of staying up to date with deadlines and the like. Monash has given me every opportunity to excel in the classroom and via alternative channels like networking events and third party seminars. And in between it all, the university has openly and widely encouraged students and educators alike to strive for balance so that they are able to continue to navigate their way through the experience in the most meaningful and sustainable way possible. It has truly been a gift.
**The role of focus on privacy and security**
Like any other environment these days, Monash University also has a steadfast focus on [cyber security](https://www.gridware.com.au/) measures. This is important because, as we all know, education (like the rest of the world) is currently in the process of becoming more digitally and technologically focused. So, having more access to devices and online utilisation is fantastic - however, it also comes hand in hand with the realisation that there must be more of a focus and prioritisation on privacy and security. Thankfully, Monash has gone above and beyond to do just this. And it continues to do so and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future and beyond (and hopefully always).
