“Keep trying and don’t give up,” Arawinkumaar Selvakkumar, International Student Ambassador, Brisbane

“Students should develop the drive to keep trying and have the never-give-up attitude if they want to achieve success,” said International Student Ambassador for City of Brisbane Arawinkumaar Selvakkumar.

He further added, “Failing is human and setbacks will continue to happen but staying focused on the positive side of things can bring about better results because there is goodness in all situations.”

He is among the 40 students from 25 countries who have been appointed as International Student Ambassadors by the City of Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schrinner in Brisbane for a one-year term recently.

Arawinkumaar, 21, who is pursuing his Master of IT (Cybersecurity and Networks) at Queensland University of Technology, said when he applied for the student ambassador programme in 2019, he was not selected after the final interview.

“I remained undisturbed and I did not give up because I was keen to be part of the prestigious programme.

“I applied again for the 2020 intake following encouragement by past ambassadors and I was chosen after two rounds of interview.

“I’m delighted to be picked now because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a student and a promising career growth exposure,” he said.

Arawinkumaar said that to shine on a foreign land is not easy due to tough competition but it is not impossible.

“I believe if one has the determination and push, he or she can achieve the desired results in anything they set their eyes on,” said Arawinkumaar from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

He said students should believe in their aspirations and goals even though some people around them may cast a doubt on their plans.

Arawinkumaar said he was inspired by American newscaster David Brinkley quote: “A successful person is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the ambassador programme was about creating awareness and consideration of Brisbane as one of the best places in the world to study.

“Now, more than ever, it is important to have strong, positive voices in the international student community and our ambassadors will provide an extension of our support, pointing students in the right direction for official information and advice.

“We want our ambassadors to gain a good understanding of our culture and our lifestyle through experiences – both socially and professionally – that expand their skills and networks here,” said Schrinner.

Brisbane has built a strong reputation as a world-class study destination, with more than 100,000 international students studying there in 2019.