Meet Venkatasai, a Master of Mining Engineering student at the Curtin Kalgoorlie Campus. His journey from India to Australia was inspired by his father, “My father… inspired me to study mining. He used to work as a labourer in coal mines. And in my sixth class, he took me to my first mine visit”. As a senior mining engineer back home, Venkatasai realised the value of further education to enhance his skills and knowledge in the field.
What he loves most about his degree is gaining a deeper understanding of mining practices and their impact on safety, “The more I studied, the more I understand and the better and more efficiently I can work”. His current thesis focuses on improving the stability of tailings dams, driven by a desire to prevent disasters like the one in South Africa that affected hundreds.
Venkatasai chose Australia for its diversity and welcoming nature, ultimately selecting Curtin University in Kalgoorlie due to its strong mining program and supportive community. His uni journey has been transformative, broadening his mindset and understanding of people, especially through volunteering with Curtin Volunteers!
His volunteer work has been a significant part of his uni life, allowing him to give back to the community that welcomed him. From helping at local kindergartens to becoming a Curtin Voluntary Leader, Venkatasai has embraced the opportunity to develop leadership, time management, and people skills.
Venkatasai’s motivation to volunteer stems from the kindness and support he received when he first arrived in Australia, “The first day of my uni was the toughest day. I don’t know a single person and I have to confront the fear of meeting new people. As an introvert, that was my biggest fear”. He recalls a challenging experience at the airport when he was stranded without a way to travel to his accommodation. The kindness of strangers, particularly the workers who assisted him, left a lasting impression on him, “There were people when I asked for help they were like not expecting anything from me but they still wanted me to help then why don’t I return the favour just not for a single person, but for the whole community”. He found Curtin Volunteers! to be the perfect avenue to give back to the Kalgoorlie community.
Balancing university, work, and volunteering has been possible for Venkatasai through meticulous planning and effective use of resources like Student OASIS. His experience of moving to Kalgoorlie taught him the importance of seeking help and the kindness of strangers, shaping his advice for future students as “Don’t fear”, to embrace the supportive environment Curtin provides.
Looking ahead, Venkatasai aspires to build his mining empire, driven by a vision of freedom and independence in his career. His journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to both his studies and the community around him. Through his experiences, he has learned the value of giving back and hopes to continue making a positive impact wherever his career takes him.
