Written by Olivia Baker
For the past three years, in vitro fertilization ‘IVF’ has been a constant presence in my life. It has shaped my daily calendar, my emotions, and, at times, my capacity to function at my best.
However, alongside my IVF journey, I have continued to work full time, manage a household, and maintain my studies at Charles Sturt University, determined not to lose sight of my long‑term goals. Throughout this challenging process, I realised that determination alone wasn’t enough and I needed space to regroup my mental state at times, and that is where the Special Consideration process became invaluable to me.
Applying for Special Consideration wasn’t about giving up or seeking an easy way out. It was about acknowledging that prolonged and invasive medical treatments, hospital admissions, numerous specialist appointments, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion eventually took a toll on me, as IVF is not a single event, instead it is an ongoing cycle of hope, stress, waiting, and recovery.
Pretending the ongoing cycle didn’t affect my academic performance only added another layer of pressure, and I was unable to ignore the strain the process had on my mental health, which is why I engaged with the Special Consideration platform.
My experience with the Special Consideration process was excellent on all occasions. The team provided me with a plethora of information throughout the process and maintained clear communication updates to alleviate further stress on top of my IVF journey. Regrouping my mental state did not mean that I lost my momentum, instead, I was able to protect my peace and overall mindset.
Once approved, the Special Consideration process provided me with a structured, compassionate way to pause and reset without feeling like I was failing. I felt like I could breathe, take a step back, focus on my wellbeing, and address the mental fatigue that had quietly built up over years. More importantly, it reinforced that supporting my mental health is not incompatible with academic commitment.
If you are navigating long‑term medical challenges or mental strain while studying, I would strongly encourage you to view Special Consideration as a tool for sustainability, not weakness. Sometimes, the most responsible academic decision you can make is to acknowledge your mindset and give yourself permission to breathe, heal, and return with clarity and strength.
For more information, please contact Student Central on 1800 275 278 or refer to the Special Consideration Webform Reference: https://www.csu.edu.au/current-students/studying/support/special-consideration
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
