Sowing Seeds, Growing Roots: How Engagement Led Me to Flourish in University

Abstract

This article describes how, through engagement in extra-curricular opportunities at university, my entire experience of studying as a mature student and as a commuting student has been transformed. This is a personal account of my journey from feeling isolated and disconnected to feeling valued and anchored in the University environment. Through my efforts to create opportunities for commuting students to become more engaged in university life, I found support, created friendships and achieved academic successes I would never have believed possible.