22 year old Omkar More from Mumbai, India found more than he bargained for when he signed up for a Master's at Queen’s University and ended up representing the University at the Irish National Rowing Championship. 

With a degree in IT under his belt, he wanted something different and got it in Belfast. He describes the transition from the lively streets of India to the  “breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of Northern Ireland” as not just a change in scenery but a “cultural metamorphosis.” 

When he arrived, Omkar felt a little lost but soon got involved in a hobby that would challenge him much more than he had expected. He began to spend mornings rowing with a team on the Lagan. He says: “The serene waters of Lagan river became not just a place to row but a medium to navigate the challenges of adapting to a new culture. In the early morning cold winter dark, at 6:30 am, I found camaraderie and purpose as I joined my fellow rowers. Alongside rigorous class schedules and weekend part-time work, this became my rhythm—a symphony of discipline and determination.” 

The early starts were matched by late-night study sessions and challenging projects while pushing his physical limits, sometimes managing 10-12 rowing sessions a week.  

But far from holding him back, Omkar felt it reassured him of his resilience: “The exhaustion that seeped into my academic and professional life was not a deterrent but a testament to my resilience. Representing Queen's University at the Irish National Rowing Championship wasn't just a test of endurance, it was a celebration of overcoming challenges that seemed insurmountable.” 

While Omkar was committed to his studies and rowing, he managed to squeeze in a job and enough time to build up a strong circle of support. 
 
“Balancing early morning water drills, late-night study sessions, and weekend shifts at work wasn't just a relentless grind; it was a dance of dedication. Amidst the academic rigor, friends became pillars of support. Shared challenges forged bonds that extended beyond the classroom, creating a network of individuals who understood the journey intimately. Late-night study sessions turned into collaborative learning experiences, and the joy of shared success became a collective celebration. The friends made during this academic odyssey weren't just companions; they were an essential part of the narrative, adding laughter, camaraderie, and a sense of shared accomplishment.” 
 
Whilst Omkar is delighted to be graduating with a Master's in Management, he says his time at Queen’s means much more than that: “The degree, adorned with commendation, symbolizes more than just academic proficiency; it embodies the growth, resilience, and camaraderie that defined this transformative chapter of my life.” 

Omkar is currently working as a Customer Services and Operations Analyst and continues to train with Queen’s rowing club. 

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