August 19, 2014

Bangalore student becomes a role model

B.A.Sanjeev Kumar’s journey from Bangalore in India into university life in Australia was initially far from an easy one.

However, the 29-year-old turned his own adversity into a positive becoming a role model wanting to make a difference for other international students.

Sanjeev, who recently graduated from UOW with a Masters degree in Engineering Management (gaining a distinction in management subjects), has now been nominated for the ‘NSW International Student of the Year Award’ which is an initiative of the NSW Government.

He arrived in Australia about two years ago battling culture shock and home sickness.

As an only child he had been to six different countries with his parents before but it was the first time that he had to be away from his parents for so long. At first, he felt very lonely in his new surroundings.

He reached out for help through the Student Support Unit at UOW before deciding to assist other international students settle into the Australian way of life.

Sanjeev volunteered with numerous student groups and charities including the Red Cross, the Illawarra Committee for International Students, Unigames, Unicrew, Centre for Student Engagement and the International Students Program.

And knowing what it is like to be homesick, Sanjeev took in to his own home a young overseas student and his father and found help for them.

His efforts have already been acknowledged as he has received 12 Certificates of Appreciation through areas he has assisted.

Sanjeev, who is engaged to another engineer, Kruthika, who works for a company in Bangalore is soon planning to return to India himself and work in the engineering or management field.

“I am looking forward to achieving many more things and fulfil my parents’ dream,” he said.

“My parents are fully responsible for what I am today – they have always supported me.”