At the crossroads

At 22 years of age, Fathima Imrah Reyaz is already an inspiration. There is a sense that she is destined for greatness, and her humility and passion to help others is truly impressive.  

Fathima is currently studying her third year of a Bachelor of Arts degree at Monash University Sunway. She claims that the opportunities that the transnational education experience has given her have changed her forever. 

“Here I am, this Sri Lankan Muslim girl, the first in my family to go to University. I am living independently, interacting with people from all over the world and I am studying subjects such as post-colonial literature, feminism and gender studies,” she says.

“All this has had such a profound effect on me.  It has completely influenced the way I think, and it has liberated me! It has made me question many things about myself, and my culture, rather than just accepting things as they are.”

Fathima wanted to study at a reputable university, but her parents wanted to make sure she was relatively close to home. Monash was an excellent choice as it was highly accredited, internationally recognised and offered a great arts program, only a short flight away.

After much negotiation, she finally received her parent’s approval and soon after arrived on campus to begin her studies.

The first thing that struck her was the multicultural diversity among the students.

Fathima recalls, “In class the life experiences of the students are so different. There are so many nationalities and different cultures, religions, ways of life. Sitting in class for one hour listening to everyone is like reading 10 books at a time.”

Whilst studying at Monash, Fathima travelled to Australia with the Monash University Debating team to participate in the University Debating Championships and also spent two months in South Africa on an Oxfam Internship, working with refugees with HIV/Aids.

It was during this time in South Africa that she was motivated to create the Monash University Volunteer program. Upon returning to Malaysia, she worked diligently to set up the university wide program aimed at enabling students and communities to share their skills with disadvantaged members of society. Commencing in 2010 with 34 students, the program now boasts more than 147 students who volunteer their skills in various areas including soup kitchens, teaching refugees, assisting at the zoo and working with special needs children.

Fathima is due to finish her studies this year and she hopes to continue working in the humanitarian area.

For girls out there considering tertiary education, Fathima strongly advises, “Do it, fight for it. Going to university is the single most important thing in a Sri Lankan Muslim girl’s life.”