From a young age, I have always been fascinated by how living things grow and function. My curiosity about biology and chemistry deepened in secondary school when I discovered the remarkable intricacies of the human body.

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck during my final school years, I spent several months at home exploring new hobbies—learning to cook with my mother and trying out home-based exercises. These experiences sparked a lasting interest in health and wellbeing, shaping the person I am today.

Inspired by Hippocrates’ words, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” I became intrigued by the science of nutrition and the art of the human body. During my search for universities, I visited IMU and was captivated by its environment and opportunities. Though modest in size, IMU felt rich in knowledge, growth, and adventure. With passion and curiosity, I began my four-year journey in Dietetics at IMU.

They say time flies when you are having a wonderful time—and my four years at IMU certainly did. From engaging lectures to practical patient interactions, every experience deepened my understanding of how nutrition can transform lives.

Year Three was a turning point—when I first encountered Medical Nutrition Therapy, the very essence of Hippocrates’ philosophy. By Year Four, my placement experiences brought me face to face with patients, mentors, and real-life challenges that strengthened both my clinical and interpersonal skills.

My IMU story would not be complete without sharing my experiences with IMU Nutrition and Dietetics Students’ Association (INDSA), Student Ambassadors (SA), and Student Dietetics Centre (SDC)—three communities that profoundly shaped my growth.

• Being part of INDSA pushed me to develop myself in every aspect—from coordinating people and events to thinking creatively and strategically. I learnt to approach challenges with both a business mindset and a nutrition professional’s perspective. Leading the N&D cohorts was not always easy, but it gifted me invaluable experiences, meaningful friendships, and an immense sense of achievement. One of my proudest moments was organising IMU’s Malaysian Dietitian Day celebration, a milestone for the association and a memory I will always treasure.
• Joining the SA community was another turning point in my journey. I will always be proud to say that I was once an SA at IMU. The experience opened countless opportunities to connect with mentors and peers from different programmes, each with inspiring stories to share. Together, we hosted major IMU events, led community activities, and represented the university with pride. Through extensive soft skills and leadership training, I learnt the importance of communication, teamwork, and empathy. Being recognised as the Student Ambassador Leader of the Year 2024 remains one of my greatest honours at IMU.

• In my final year, I decided to challenge myself further by taking on a leadership role in the SDC. My focus was to create meaningful and impactful educational materials for students, faculty members, and patients. This role allowed me to apply medical and nutritional knowledge in practical ways—translating complex concepts into clear, accessible information.

Beyond that, SDC also offered opportunities to serve diverse communities such as the Orang Asli community and children with autism spectrum disorder. These experiences reminded me of the real impact our profession can make, deepening both my empathy and sense of purpose.

Looking back, IMU has not only shaped me intellectually but also transformed me personally—equipping me with the knowledge, resilience, and compassion needed to thrive in the real world.

As my student life draws to a close, I often ask myself: What’s next? While the path ahead remains open, one thing is certain—I wish to continue promoting health and wellbeing through food and nutrition. With the knowledge, skills, and experiences I have gained at IMU, I feel confident stepping into the next chapter as a dietitian.

Perhaps one day, I will return to IMU—not as a student, but as a professional sharing my experiences with the next generation.

Be wise and be brave.
Be wise in managing your time, in recognising opportunities, and in building meaningful connections.
Be brave in facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and exploring the unfamiliar.

Your journey at IMU will shape you in ways you cannot yet imagine—so make every moment count.

Written by Gan Jia Yi, who graduated with her degree on 1 November 2025 and was awarded the Book Prize for Best Dietetics Student.