Discovering My True Dream: A Journey Through IMU

From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. Growing up with a kidney condition that required careful monitoring and eventually surgery, I experienced firsthand the compassion and skill of the healthcare teams who took care of me. As the first child in my family, I came to deeply appreciate the lifesaving potential of modern medicine. My goal was clear: I wanted to become a healthcare professional, ideally a doctor.

But just as I was ready to make that choice, I discovered dietetics. It was a field I’d had not considered before. However, as I researched about it, I realized how perfectly it aligned with my goals of helping others and making a difference in their lives.

Dietetics would allow me to work in healthcare with a preventative approach, harnessing the power of food to support and sustain health. The saying “prevention is better than cure” truly resonated with me—it captured exactly how I wanted to approach health and wellness. Therefore, with a renewed sense of purpose, I chose to pursue dietetics, and that choice led me to IMU University.

My time studying the Dietetics with Nutrition programme at IMU was a journey filled with growth, resilience, and unexpected challenges. Unfortunately, the pandemic disrupted what I thought university life would be. Despite the unexpected situation, IMU quickly adapted to the changes and I’m grateful for how well they maintained a sense of community through the online platforms. The virtual experience wasn’t always ideal, but it taught me lessons in discipline and self-motivation that I wouldn’t trade. There were days when I wondered if our lecturers worried whether we were actually focused in front of our laptops. But IMU was there every step of the way, and their commitment inspired me to keep going.

Although the online format wasn’t always easy, my peers were my supportive pillars and we found ways to motivate each other by checking in regularly and sharing tips. By my final year, the memories I’d hoped for in university were finally coming to life. Placements in food service, clinical, and community settings brought real-world experience, bringing to life everything I’d learned in class and adding dimensions beyond what textbooks could offer.

Throughout my time at IMU, I had the honor of receiving the Book Prize for Leadership in Dietetics, leading the student-led dietetics centre committee, serving as Master of Ceremonies for the Malaysian Dietitians Association conference for two years, and holding various leadership roles in university events.

Balancing these responsibilities with my studies as well as finding time to pursue my passion for dance shaped my journey, strengthened my commitment to service, and helped me grow into the person I am today. The encouragement from lecturers, clinical instructors, and friends made each day purposeful, and together we created memories that will always remind me of how much I grew at IMU.

In the early days of my studies, I imagined a career as a dietitian whereby I would be working directly with clients, counselling people and supporting healthier lives—a natural extension of my childhood dream. But along the way, I met inspiring individuals, participated in interesting projects, which broadened my perspective. Soon, another vision started to form in my mind, a dream of being an entrepreneur. I wanted to use the knowledge and skills I’d gained towards creating something that could help people on a larger scale.

Upon completing my placements, I was fortunate to receive multiple job offers from different fields, each with exciting potential even before graduating. In the end, I chose to join Vealth.me as a corporate wellness consultant. My role allows me to work in wellness from a business perspective, planning wellness events for companies and enhancing employee’s health. This may be different what I had originally envisioned, but it’s exactly where I need to be to build the skills I’ll need for future goals. I’m learning the essentials of business such as understanding the market needs, fostering client relationships, and mastering communication skills that will support me in whatever comes next.

To my juniors, I hope you’ll fully embrace this moment in your life. Cherish the freedom to experience university life as it was meant to be, without pandemic restrictions. Try things you’ve never done, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

During my placements, my lecturers often reminded me, “You’re a student—make mistakes and learn from them. This is a safe place for you to explore.” It’s an advice that I will carry with me, and I would encourage you to do the same. Push your limits, stay curious, and keep going. You might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of achieving.

Lastly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all my loved ones for guiding me throughout my life. May we shine brighter tomorrow!

Written by Lee Evon