Let your passion drive you
22 August 2022
by alumna Kavita Muthusamy
School of Engineering (Class of 2021)
currently working as a graduate subsea engineer in Wood Group Malaysia
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) graduate Kavita Muthusamy is thrilled to be one of the winners for the #AIASquashTheStereotypes Squash Clinic. Not only did she have the chance to play squash with Malaysian squash legend Datuk Nicol Ann David, but she was also able to "help squash gender stereotypes in her industry", she says. Let’s hear her story.
1. Tell us more about #AIASquashTheStereotypes Squash Clinic.
The #AIASquashTheStereotypes squash clinic was an event organised by AIA, partnering with the squash legend Datuk Nicol Ann David in conjunction with International Women's Day. The squash clinic was the first ever clinic hosted by Nicol in Kuala Lumpur. So, to play with Datuk Nicol, participants were required to comment on her Instagram post on how they squash gender stereotypes in their daily lives, and twenty winners were chosen based on that. My comment on how I squash gender stereotypes was based on my experience as a female mechanical engineer.
2. Why did you decide to join and how did you prepare yourself?
I have been a huge fan of Datuk Nicol David since young, and I have always been watching her games from one tournament to another and even got the chance to watch her play live multiple times at the Nicol David Arena in Bukit Jalil. Therefore, when I found out about this contest, without thinking twice, I immediately participated in it because it has always been a dream of mine to play with the legend herself. I even picked up the sport when I was fifteen because squash seemed like an exciting sport, especially when Datuk Nicol plays it. Therefore, I didn’t prepare much for the event itself, but I play squash from time to time, so that prepared me for the squash clinic. However, the clinic was meant for anyone with or without squash basics.
3. Share your experience throughout the journey.
Being able to undergo training and then play a fun match with Datuk Nicol was the event's highlight. I never would’ve imagined playing squash with the person I’ve admired most. Apart from that, I was impressed by the effort put into the squash clinic itself. The planning of the activities and the training were all well thought off, especially since most of the participants were beginners. Datuk Nicol and Mariana (CEO of Nicol David Foundation) have a lot of experience in training and coaching, so it was great having them coach us throughout the clinic. Although I have the basics in squash, the clinic was like a refresher course since the last time I trained for squash was almost a decade ago. It’s also hard to find a squash community to play with because squash is not a popular sport, especially in the area where I grew up (Klang), so the squash clinic also allowed me to meet new squash friends. And lastly, Datuk Nicol and Mariana were friendly, humble, and easygoing, so the squash clinic turned out to be really fun.
4. A motivating quote from you.
I’ve always liked this quote, ‘Let your passion drive you’ because nothing can stop you from achieving your dream or goals when you're passionate about something.
5. Your advice to current students.
If you are passionate about something, go the extra mile and make a difference. It’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it when you look back at it someday.