Lim Li Wei
I wasn’t the straight-A student. My workbooks were filled with doodles instead of formulas, and Add Maths? Let’s not talk about it. But creativity always lit a fire in me. Choosing art as a career scared my family (and honestly, me too), but I knew this was the path where I could truly grow. Securing the Sunway University Art and Design Scholarship was more than just financial support, it was the sign I needed to believe in myself. Now, at the Sunway School of Arts, I’m not just learning to design; I’m learning who I am. For anyone who feels boxed in by grades, know this: your passion is valid. Your dream is worth chasing. Let it bloom.
Growing up, I was never one of those straight-A students. Getting stellar grades on exams felt nothing more than a distant dream, and let's not even mention how much difficulty I had with certain subjects (Looking at you, Add Maths). Consequently, I've always felt distant from the rest of my scholarly peers. Instead, I found greater joy in writing and drawing; the margins of my workbooks would be inundated with doodles and illustrations, much to my teacher's chagrin. Even after graduating from SACE with a high ATAR score, I felt resolute in pursuing the creative arts, which understandably worried my parents. Indeed, thoughts like "A non-traditional industry?" or "How would you feed yourself after graduating?" occupied their mental bubble since they predominantly came from a business background. Taking this route would make me the first in my family to pursue a future in the creative arts. So, as you can tell, this totally wasn't a nerve-wracking decision to make at all.
It wasn't long before I started scouting for potential scholarship options to relieve the burden on my parents. Unfortunately, I had few options as someone who wasn't academically inclined. Still, one stood out - The Sunway Art and Design scholarship. Despite feeling reticent over my chances, my parents greatly encouraged me to apply. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take after all. What transpired next seemed almost like an illusion when I received the news that I had secured the scholarship. But it was real.
And henceforth, from that fateful day, I began my journey at the Sunway School of Arts. Since then, I've had many opportunities and experiences to evolve, both as a person and as a creative person. Getting the scholarship was just the first step to discovering who I am as a person and a designer, as well as the greater beyond. Even when I fell into a bad headspace due to the lockdown, I constantly reminded myself to be strong and push through. After all, I've worked hard to get this scholarship, so there is no way I will just let it slip past me and let my dream fade with it.
To those who constantly feel lost or constrained by grades as a measure of their success and worth, understand that academia isn't everything. There is no need to hide your authentic self; other opportunities are out there that better fit your skills and passion. Keep that childhood dream alive because one day, you will get the chance to let it blossom into something much greater. Until then, I am Li Wei, and this has been #MySunwayStory.
Lim Li Wei
BA (Hons) in Design Communication
Sunway University Art and Design Scholarship
