A blog by Dehami Prarthana

Well, hello there! I’m Dehami – a civil engineering student at RIC, currently steering my way through the bumpy but interesting world of university. It has been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and lessons far from textbooks and that’s exactly what I want to share.

However, to understand how much I’ve bloomed, first let’s get to know a bit about me.

 

A journey across Cultures

My roots are Sri Lankan, but a big part of my heart was raised far from here, in Malawi. That’s where I spent most of my life growing up with a different rhythm. The culture, the way they spoke, how we interacted with people, it was all a little different. That was normal. And I say “my” because moving back to Sri Lanka to start at RIC opened my eyes to a whole new normal.

It marked a significant transition in my life, one that felt familiar and foreign. I was excited to begin this new chapter, but still uncertain about whether I would truly find my place in a scenery so different from what I had known.

I chose to study at RIC through Deakin University, confident in the academic excellence and global reputation of both institutions. However, more than a good education, what I really wanted was a feeling of community and a stimulating atmosphere where I could develop both personally and academically. I can now say with pride that I was accepted into that sense of community right away.

 

More Than Memorizing

Through this university journey, there was a moment when I realized it was reshaping the way I saw the world.

I was walking past a construction site, something I would usually overlook without a thought. But this time, I paused. I wasn’t just seeing a building; I was dissecting its structure in my mind, tracing the designs, the engineering choices, the careful planning behind every beam and joint. What once felt like textbook knowledge had suddenly come to life. In moments like those, I feel joy. The knowledge I gathered wasn’t confined to lectures or exam papers; it was now part of my daily life.

University slowly started to rewire the way I think. Before, I always tend to swing between two extremes, either planning everything down to the smallest detail or leaving things until the very last minute. But over time, I’ve learned the importance of balance.

I’ve learned how to manage pressure and to prioritize self-care without compromising ambition. I now know when to push forward and when to take a step back and breathe. Learning how to think about approaching issues, not just solving problems is something I never anticipated learning in a university setting. Yet, it’s become one of the most valuable takeaways from my experience so far.

 

Group Work – The Ultimate Teacher

If there’s one aspect of university that has profoundly shaped my personal and academic growth, it’s group work.

Unlike the collaborative tasks I encountered in high school, university group projects demand far more patience, clear communication, and a genuine openness to differing perspectives. WHAT DO CIVIL ENGINEERING

There were times I felt frustrated, moments where communication broke down or ideas clashed. Nevertheless, I learned how to really listen, not just to reply, but to understand. I learned how to give feedback kindly, and accept it without taking it personally, which is harder than it sounds. Most of all, I learned to value perspectives I wouldn’t have seen on my own. It reminded me that no matter how strong your ideas are, they can always grow when challenged by someone else’s.

These experiences didn’t just enhance my academic skills, they helped me grow into a more empathetic, thoughtful, and collaborative individual.

 

 

Creativity Lives Beyond the Classroom

Outside lectures and textbooks, university has also encouraged my creative spirit, by giving me the space to explore and express parts of myself that academics alone couldn’t reach.

Joining clubs like the Buddhist Society, Film & Theatre, and EMAC opened doors to new

passions and personal growth. Through video editing, photography, and event planning, I found an exciting passage for self-expression. These experiences added colour to my student life and taught me precious, soft skills like leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and the confidence to bring ideas to life.

One project in particular really tested me. I struggled with time management, and I wasn’t always sure what was expected of me. It was overwhelming at first and honestly disheartening. But looking back, it taught me so much. I learned to take frustration in stride and to use feedback as a chance to improve. Today, I contribute with greater confidence and find real joy in the process.

Becoming a Professional with a Purpose

One of the things I’ve come to value most about the Deakin programme is the strong emphasis on practical and industry-based learning. This method resonates deeply with me, as someone who learns best through hands on experience. From guest lectures delivered by industry professionals to interactive seminars, these opportunities have been precious in closing the gap between theory and real-world application.

More than that, they’ve shaped the way I view my role in the professional world. Not just as an engineer, but as an engineer in society and what I knew I can bring. Exposure to discussions on sustainability, and the human impact of our work has made me more mindful about the kind of professional I aspire to be.

 

What it all came to

If you had asked me before my university journey whether I saw myself as a social person, I probably would’ve hesitated. But through my time at RIC, I’ve discovered a more outgoing, upbeat and community-minded version of myself. From sharing notes before exams to spontaneous snack breaks between lectures, I’ve come to really value

those everyday moments with friends. Not every connection has to be deep, but each one does matter. After all, the person I study with today might just be the accountant or lawyer I need tomorrow.

Looking back, university gave me more than knowledge. It taught me how to apply what I’ve learned with thought, compassion, and purpose. It shaped how I think, how I connect with others, and how I see the world. I’ve learned to confidently dream big and trust my own voice all while staying open to new ideas and experiences.

I started at RIC simply hoping to find a friendly environment. Today, I walk away with much more: a stronger mindset, meaningful friendships, and a version of myself I’m proud of. Thank you, RIC, for helping me grow, blossom, and shine.