A Sunway University Student's Journey from Cerebral Palsy to Graduation

 A Moment That Mattered

At Sunway University’s July 2024 convocation, something remarkable happened. As Tan Kit Yen made her way across the stage, the crowd rose to its feet. It wasn’t just a routine applause, it was an outpouring of admiration for a young woman who had defied the odds.
Tan wasn’t just walking across a stage. She was walking through a life that began with challenges most of us can only imagine. 

From Preemie to Powerhouse

Born prematurely at 29 weeks and diagnosed with Spastic Diaplegia Cerebral Palsy, which affects her lower limbs, Tan could have easily seen herself as limited by her condition. But thanks to the love and support of her family, she learned early on that she was not defined by her disability.
Despite the obstacles Tan has faced on her journey, it was her parents' early emphasis on the value and importance of education that inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology at Sunway University.

“Throughout my time here, I encountered numerous individuals who supported and guided me on my academic and personal journey. The encouragement and understanding of my thesis supervisor and academic mentor empowered me to overcome obstacles and strive for excellence. Their support played a significant role in my success and in shaping the person I am today,” Tan expresses gratefully.

Walking the Talk

Sunway University is known for its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need. But what made Tan’s moment so powerful was that she chose to walk across the stage with her own crutches, embodying the very strength and determination that got her there. The cheers that filled the room weren’t just for her academic achievements, they were for her courage, her resilience, and her refusal to let anything stand in her way.

Tan’s university journey was filled with milestones that she’ll carry with her forever.  “The highlights of my university life include my final year, when we had the opportunity to conduct an exhibition to raise awareness about learning disabilities, and when I was given the chance to present the findings of my final year project at the Malaysian Psychology Students Assembly 2023.”

Advocating for Herself, and Others

Self-advocacy became essential for her, especially when it came to securing the accommodations she needed, like extra time for exams. Her experience is a reminder of how important it is for universities to create an environment where every student is supported.

Looking to the future, Tan is driven by a desire to make a difference in the field of psychology. Her journey was shaped by a misdiagnosis of global developmental delay as a child, a reflection of the limited medical resources at the time. “At that time, access to child psychologists was limited, and my motivation for pursuing this field is to give back to society and make a difference,” she explains.

A Word to the Wise

For other students who might be facing similar challenges, Tan has some advice: “Everything is possible if you believe in yourself. As Dr. Amelia Shepherd from Grey’s Anatomy said, "The key, though, win or lose, is not to fail. And the only way to fail is not to fight."

Tan Kit Yen’s story isn’t just one of academic success, it’s a story of resilience, determination, and the power of believing in yourself. She took that one step beyond what seemed possible, and in doing so, she inspired everyone around her.