Passion is one of the most powerful driving forces in an individual’s life. It is the fuel that ignites the fire within us to pursue our dreams and achieve our goals. As an engineering student studying at the University of Newcastle, passion has been the cornerstone of my academic, work, and personal life. In this article, I will share my experiences of how passion has helped me overcome challenges and achieve success, and how I draw inspiration from the resilience and hard work of sporting personalities like Kobe Bryant and Virat Kohli. 

My passion for engineering has been a source of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. As an international student, adapting to a new culture, navigating the complexities of the education system, and coping with academic expectations, can be daunting and challenging. However, my passion for engineering has given me the strength and determination to persevere and continue striving toward my goals. 

One of the key ways in which I use my passion and knowledge for engineering in my daily life is through my involvement in extracurricular activities and the various roles I perform at university. I am a student representative at the University of Newcastle and my duties involve analysing issues faced by students in their academics and using problem-solving skills to try and assist with those issues for the betterment of the education experience of the student. 

Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, is someone whom I admire for his passion for the game of basketball and drive to be the best basketball player. He was known for his fierce competitiveness and unwavering determination to succeed. He was also a strong advocate for the importance of achieving one’s goals. In a 2016 interview, he stated, “If you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, then why do it? Because it’s a waste of time.” Kobe’s passion for basketball drove him to work tirelessly to improve his skills and achieve greatness, even in the face of injuries, setbacks, and challenges. This is what motivates me to keep hustling and striving for the goals I set out to achieve. 

Similarly, Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian cricket team, is known for his steadfast dedication and hard work. He is a testament to the power of passion in driving success, having risen from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Kohli’s passion for cricket has been a driving force in his life, motivating him to work tirelessly to improve and achieve his goals. 

I look to these sporting personalities as examples of the power of passion drives success. Their stories remind me that with hard work, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose, I can overcome any challenge and achieve my goals. I strive to embody their qualities of resilience, determination, and hard work in my own academic pursuits, and to use my passion for engineering as a driving force in my life. 

Although sometimes life happens and we lose motivation for the goals we set, something I have learnt from my colleagues at UNSA is the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Living passionately in all aspects of life is important, but give yourself time to reflect over the achievements that have led you here as well as the mistakes in which to learn from.

Sarthak Birani

Sarthak Birani