RAR-Institute Student Profile & Academic Development

Nurul Hakim

Student Information

1. What is your full name, and how would you introduce yourself as a RAR Institute student?

Answer:
My name is Nurul Hakim. I am a dedicated and enthusiastic student at the Rohingya Academic Research Institute (RAR-Institute), currently studying for an Associate Degree in Political Science. I joined the Institute in 2026 and have a strong interest in politics, geopolitics, political behavior, society, governance, law-making and enforcement, public administration, electoral systems, international relations, human rights, and community development. I consider myself a curious and committed learner who wants to continuously improve my knowledge, academic skills, and understanding of Political Science. My goal is to develop the knowledge and abilities necessary for further education and meaningful contributions to my community.

2. What is your Student ID, and which programme are you currently studying at RAR Institute?

Answer:
My Student ID is RAR-AD-202609, and I am currently studying for an Associate Degree in Political Science at RAR Institute. I chose Political Science because I want to understand how governments, political institutions, political systems, states and nations, democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, societies, and international organizations function. I am also interested in understanding how political decisions and institutions can affect people’s lives and communities.

3. What was your educational background before joining RAR Institute?

Answer:
Before joining RAR Institute, I was a matriculation candidate in Arakan State, Myanmar, in 2017. However, my education was interrupted before I could complete my final examinations because of forced displacement. Despite this interruption, my previous education provided me with a foundation for continuing my studies. It helped me develop communication, critical-thinking, problem-solving, time-management, teamwork, self-discipline, and confidence. Most importantly, my educational experience strengthened my desire to continue learning, improve myself, and contribute positively to my community.

4. When did you join RAR Institute, and what motivated you to begin your studies?

Answer:
I joined RAR Institute in 2026 to pursue an Associate Degree in Political Science. I was motivated by my strong interest in political institutions, governance, political processes, and the relationship between citizens and government. Through this programme, I want to develop a deeper understanding of Political Science while improving my critical-thinking, communication, research, analytical, time-management, and problem-solving skills. I see this programme as an important step toward further university education, future career opportunities, and meaningful contributions to my community.

5. What were your academic knowledge, confidence, and skills like before joining RAR Institute?

Answer:
Before joining RAR Institute, I had basic academic knowledge and a general understanding of Political Science. I also had some ability to think critically and express my ideas. However, I had limited experience with advanced Political Science topics, academic discussions, research, academic writing, and presentations. At times, I was less confident when sharing my opinions with others. I wanted to improve my communication, time management, study habits, and ability to organize my ideas effectively. Therefore, I joined RAR Institute to gain greater knowledge, develop my confidence, and prepare myself for higher education and future opportunities.

6. What challenges did you face when you first started your studies at RAR Institute?

Answer:
When I first started studying at RAR Institute, I faced several challenges related to academic reading, Political Science concepts, academic writing, classroom discussions, presentations, and time management. However, through regular study, practice, self-learning, and guidance from my instructors, I gradually improved my understanding and academic abilities. These challenges encouraged me to become more disciplined and independent in my learning.

7. How have your academic confidence and participation developed since joining RAR Institute?

Answer:
Since joining RAR Institute, I have become more confident in my studies and in learning Political Science. I now feel more comfortable participating in discussions, asking questions, sharing my opinions, and explaining political concepts in my own words. I have also improved my ability to read academic materials, complete assignments, and study independently. My studies have taught me to consider different perspectives and understand that people may have different opinions about the same issue. These experiences have strengthened my Political Science knowledge, critical thinking, communication, time management, and overall academic confidence.

8. What important knowledge and skills have you gained from your studies?

Answer:
Through my studies, I have gained important knowledge about Political Science, including the roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary, as well as the differences between presidential and parliamentary systems. I have also learned more about democracy and political participation. In addition, my academic reading and writing skills have improved. I have become better at organizing my ideas, understanding academic texts, and thinking critically about political issues.

9. How has your study improved your understanding of research and evidence?

Answer:
My studies have helped me understand the importance of reliable evidence when examining political issues. I am learning how to find useful information, compare different viewpoints, ask meaningful questions, and use evidence to support my ideas. I have learned that strong academic arguments should be based on research and evidence rather than relying only on personal opinions or assumptions. This understanding has encouraged me to approach political issues more carefully and analytically.

10. How have your academic writing and critical-thinking skills developed?

Answer:
My academic writing and critical-thinking skills have improved through assignments, academic reading, lectures, and critical questions raised by professors during course discussions. I am learning how to organize my ideas clearly, develop arguments, support my points with evidence, and use sources appropriately. I also try to consider different perspectives before reaching a conclusion. This approach has helped me become more thoughtful, analytical, and balanced in my academic work.

11. How has your ability to search for and evaluate academic sources improved?

Answer:
I have become more careful and systematic when searching for academic information. I now consider whether a source is reliable, relevant, current, and supported by evidence before using it. I am also learning to explain information in my own words and connect evidence to my arguments instead of simply copying information. This has improved both my academic research habits and my understanding of responsible academic work.

12. What have you learned through assignments, presentations, examinations, and research activities?

Answer:
These academic activities have taught me how to prepare effectively, manage my time, communicate ideas, work with colleagues, and respond to questions. Assignments have improved my writing, understanding, and critical-thinking skills, while presentations and classroom discussions have increased my confidence in speaking and explaining ideas. Research activities have also helped me connect Political Science concepts with real political and social issues.

13. What knowledge have you gained from the Associate Degree in Political Science?

Answer:
I have gained knowledge about political and electoral systems, government, democracy, dictatorship, monarchy, executive-legislative relations, power, political institutions, contemporary political issues, confederal systems, regime typologies, society, governance, international relations, and academic reading and writing. I am learning how political institutions function and how decisions made by governments and other political actors can affect individuals and communities. This knowledge has increased my interest in understanding current political affairs and examining political developments from different perspectives.

14. How has Political Science changed the way you understand current issues?

Answer:
Political Science has taught me to look at political and social issues from different perspectives instead of making quick judgments. I now understand that issues such as conflict, displacement, governance, human rights, and international relations can have complex political, economic, and social causes. The subject has encouraged me to ask questions, examine evidence, consider different viewpoints, and think more carefully about current issues.

15. How have RAR Institute instructors supported your academic development?

Answer:
My instructors have supported my academic development by explaining difficult concepts, answering questions, providing feedback, and encouraging active participation. Their guidance has helped me understand Political Science more clearly and improve my approach to academic work. Their encouragement has also increased my confidence and motivation to continue my studies and become a more independent learner.

16. Which part of your studies has had the greatest positive impact on your development?

Answer:
My Political Science courses and classroom discussions have had the greatest positive impact on my development. They have encouraged me to think critically about political issues and understand that different people may have different perspectives. Classroom discussions and academic activities have also helped me connect what I learn in class with real-world political and social situations. This has made my learning more meaningful and increased my interest in Political Science.

17. How have your communication, presentation, teamwork, and leadership skills improved?

Answer:
Through lectures, critical questions from instructors, presentations, discussions, and group activities, I have become more confident in expressing my ideas. I have learned to listen carefully to others, communicate respectfully, share responsibilities, and cooperate with my classmates. These experiences have also helped me develop leadership qualities, including taking responsibility, supporting others, and making positive contributions to group activities.

My Academic Journey at RAR-Institute

My journey at RAR-Institute has been an important period of academic growth, personal development, and intellectual exploration. I joined the Associate Degree in Political Science Programme in 2026 with a strong interest in understanding politics, governance, international relations, human rights, and the relationship between political institutions and society. At the beginning of my studies, I faced challenges in academic reading, writing, presentations, discussions, Political Science concepts, and time management. Through regular study, self-learning, classroom participation, and guidance from my instructors, I gradually became more confident and academically engaged.

My studies have expanded my understanding of political systems, government institutions, democracy, political participation, governance, electoral systems, power, international relations, and contemporary political issues. More importantly, I have learned to examine issues from different perspectives, ask meaningful questions, evaluate evidence, and avoid relying only on assumptions or personal opinions. RAR Institute has also helped me develop important academic and personal skills, including critical thinking, research awareness, academic writing, communication, presentation, teamwork, time management, and independent learning.

Looking back on my journey so far, I see RAR-Institute as an important step toward my future academic and professional goals. My journey is still continuing, and I hope to further develop my knowledge and skills through higher education, research, and continued engagement with Political Science. Ultimately, I want to use the knowledge I gain through education not only for my own development but also to make a meaningful and positive contribution to my community and wider society.