Faith’s move to Australia was more than a change of scenery, it was a leap into the unknown. Her story is about adapting to a new country, returning to study after decades, and finding strength in community and inclusion. Featured in the lead-up to Be Fearless, Be Me – Inclusive Celebration Day.
My name is Faith Anthonette Aguirre Xavier, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Disability Practice and Leadership here at Flinders University on an Australia Awards Scholarship. The decision to move here as a visually impaired international student was arguably the biggest I have ever made. Looking back, my journey over the past ten months feels exactly like the analogy I first used: a rollercoaster ride – full of adventure, excitement, and a healthy dose of fear.
The transition I underwent wasn’t just geographical; it was a 360-degree turn in my life. I faced a dual challenge that, at times, felt overwhelming. On one hand, I had to learn how to operate in a completely new environment, navigate unfamiliar surroundings, and integrate with people from a diverse array of backgrounds in Adelaide. On the other hand, I was returning to the academic environment after a massive gap. It had been two decades since I last immersed myself in undergraduate studies. Adapting to the modern, faster-paced educational system was a significant hurdle, especially when navigating it with a visual impairment in a new country.
However, the moment I arrived at Flinders, I saw the University’s motto, “BE FEARLESS,” not just as a saying, but as an institutional commitment. This commitment became the foundation that allowed me to genuinely begin enjoying my life here. The support provided by the University to its students with disabilities is, quite frankly, excellent. It didn’t just meet my basic needs; it fundamentally streamlined my academic life, making it accessible and manageable. The implementation of adaptive technology systems was crucial. These tools ensured that I could manage my studies effectively, level the playing field, and focus my energy on the rigorous demands of my Master’s program, rather than constantly battling for access to course materials.
Beyond the academic logistics, I found that my wellbeing and mental health were equally prioritized and looked after. Living away from home presents a unique set of challenges; loneliness is inevitable, and missing my family was an everyday reality. Yet, the sense of community fostered by the lovely people I’ve met, coupled with the attentive staff at the University, and particularly those associated with Flinders Living, created an incredibly warm environment. I quickly realized that Flinders University and Adelaide were becoming my home away from home. This collective effort to promote a genuine sense of belongingness has been the single most comforting aspect of my experience here over the last ten months.
What truly differentiates this experience is the pervasive culture of inclusion I’ve found here. Having a disability is not perceived as a hindrance at the University or in Adelaide generally; instead, it feels like an integrated part of the community. The accessibility of the city’s infrastructure is outstanding, allowing me the freedom and confidence to explore the beautiful places around me. This journey, marked by adaptation and relentless support, has profoundly moulded my personality, transforming me into someone more deeply optimistic and resilient than I was before I arrived.
If my journey can offer any lessons, especially to those considering a massive leap (whether it involves international study, returning to education after a long break, or navigating a new phase of life with a disability) it is this:
1️⃣ Acknowledge and Use the Support System: There will be moments where you feel completely lost or overwhelmed. When you’re facing a two-decade-old academic gap or trying to read a new file with adaptive technology, you cannot afford to be shy. Ask for help. The support systems – be it adaptive tech specialists, mental health services, or simply a helpful staff member – are not obstacles; they are the wings that will make your flight possible. View them as essential partners in your success, not crutches.
2️⃣ Define Your Resilience in Advance: Moving far away or challenging your limits strips away your comfort zone. This is where you discover your true inner strength. Make the conscious decision now to be optimistic in the face of setbacks. When the workload piles up or homesickness hits, remember the “BE FEARLESS” motto. That 360-degree change in your life is not meant to break you; it is meant to forge a version of you that is tougher, wiser, and more capable than you imagined.
3️⃣ Build Your New Home: You might start by just coping, but your goal should be to belong. Engage with the people and the place. Explore the accessible parts of the city. Embrace the lovely people around you. When you actively participate in building your community, you turn a strange city into a sanctuary, and that sense of security is vital for both your mental health and your academic focus.
You are embarking on a defining chapter. Be bold, be prepared to adapt, and utilize every resource at your disposal. You are stronger than you think.
Faith’s journey reminds us that resilience is not just about enduring challenges. It is about embracing change and finding strength in community. Her story is a call to be bold, seek support, and believe in your ability to thrive. Join us on Be Fearless, Be Me – Inclusive Celebration Day as we celebrate stories like Faith’s and commit to building a campus where every student feels empowered to belong.
Event Details:
📅 Date: 3rd December, 2025
📍 Location: Plaza/Student Hub, Bedford Park Campus
🎉 Hosted by: International Student Services (ISS), Flinders University Students with Disabilities Association (FUSDA) and the Career Readiness team
Want to read more inspiring journeys? Explore Raymond’s, Maria’s and Ken’s story as part of our Be Fearless, Be Me series.