My name is Sherina and I study International Business at Brunel University London.
At the age of eleven, I was diagnosed with dyslexia, a common learning difficulty that affects my reading and writing habits. Some may think that I am unlucky to have this disability but for me, it has been one of the greatest blessings. I am still able to go to university each day and live an ordinary life as a university student and thanks to the Student Centre at Brunel I receive one-to-one support each week to meet with my study skills adviser.
At first, I was a bit apprehensive about going to university, so I decided to take a gap year after finishing my A-levels to gain some work experience. I then applied to Brunel and got a conditional offer and applied for on-campus accommodation. After being accepted I was lucky enough to have my own room and en-suite bathroom, which was extremely convenient for me, even though my family lives just an hour away in London.
I had lectures almost every day which gave me some extra time to volunteer as well as take part in non-academic activities such as badminton, dance, and baking. Brunel has really supported me with my dyslexia, and I am grateful to have received funding for free printing credit in the library, a free laptop to support me with my studies and 25% extra time in exams.
I successfully got a 2:1 in my second-year exams, despite having dyslexia and I also enrolled in a free modern language class and have been learning Spanish for two years at Brunel. I am looking forward to going into my final year in September and making even more friends through the various sports clubs and societies at Brunel. I have really enjoyed my time at university and will tremendously miss all my lecturers and seminar leaders after graduating.