Fateh is part of Glean's student ambassadors program. Today, he's sharing how using Glean has helped him over come disability challenges and how his mindset has helped him thrive in higher education.
As an international student pursuing an LLM in International Law, navigating academia has presented its own set of challenges. Adding my disability into the equation has required me to find creative and proactive ways to overcome barriers and maintain a balance between my academic aspirations and personal wellbeing. My journey has been about adapting, learning, and embracing innovative strategies to ensure success in this demanding program.
My name is Fateh, and here I’ll share some of the approaches that have helped me thrive.
Leveraging assistive technology
One of the most transformative aspects of my academic experience has been the use of assistive technology. Before I started university, my Disability Advisor worked closely with me to prepare a study support plan tailored to my needs. As part of this plan, I was provided with audio recording software to help capture lectures and seminars.
Glean has been invaluable, especially during fast-paced classes where it can be challenging to keep up with the flow of information. Having the ability to revisit lectures at my own pace has allowed me to absorb critical content and manage my workload more effectively.
Beyond lectures, I use text-to-speech software to read dense legal text. These tools not only streamline my study process but also make my learning experience more accessible and efficient
Adapting study environments
Creating a comfortable and distraction free study environment has been another important factor in my academic journey. I’ve found that small adjustments can make a significant difference in maintaining focus and productivity.
For example, I ensure proper lighting in my workspace to reduce eye strain and organize my materials so that everything I need is easily accessible. I also minimize distractions by studying in spaces that have no noise, like my apartment complex meeting room.
These adaptations may seem simple, but they contribute greatly to building a sustainable and supportive learning environment.
Navigating dense academic texts
As a student of international law, I regularly engage with lengthy and complex legal texts that require careful analysis and attention to detail. Initially, tackling these documents felt overwhelming, but I’ve developed strategies that make the process more manageable.
Before diving into a text, I spend time skimming material and paragraphs that have been especially asked for by the professor to prepare for seminars. This pre-reading approach helps me focus on the most relevant sections and saves time in the long run.
Repetition and review have also been critical in reinforcing my understanding. I revisit materials multiple times, summarizing key points aloud or discussing them with peers to ensure I’ve grasped the concepts thoroughly. This iterative process helps me connect theoretical ideas to practical applications, a skill that is essential in my field.
Advocating for myself and others
While I’ve not needed to request specific accommodations beyond what was initially outlined in my study support plan, I recognize the importance of self-advocacy in navigating academia.
My Disability Advisor encouraged me to contribute a note about my disability to the support plan, which helped ensure my needs were clearly communicated to faculty and staff. This proactive step has allowed me to avoid misunderstandings and build a strong foundation of support.
I have also, in the short time that I have been at the university, advocated along with my former support worker, Raisha, for a more inclusive and accessible University of Bristol. This will ensure, for students with disabilities, they do not have to face the physical barriers that I have had to face in the future. This was done by submitting a motion to our Students Union.
Embracing growth and innovation
Pursuing an LLM as an international student with a disability is not without its challenges, but it has also been an opportunity for growth. By leveraging assistive technology, adapting my study environment, and developing tailored strategies for managing dense texts, I’ve created a system that works for me.
My experience has shown me the value of persistence, creativity, and self-awareness in overcoming barriers and thriving in a demanding academic program.
By combining these strategies with a proactive mindset, I’ve been able to navigate the academic demands of my LLM program. While the challenges are real, so are the opportunities for growth and innovation in finding what works best for me.
