Living life is just like driving on a rocky road – a bumpy ride with a fair share of ups and downs. Life is unpredictable, full of joyous moments, and adversities. No one really knows what the next moment has in store for them. One moment an individual might be the happiest that they have ever been, and the very next moment could lead them right into a depressive state. This unpredictability of life is what makes it worth living.
While the moments of joy and happiness bring peace and comfort to mind and soul, it is the adversities that help a person become a better version of themselves. Adversities are an inescapable part of life, and the way people respond to them determines the quality of life they will spend. Some people give up midway, while others stay strong till they reach their desired destination. These are the ones that have a better chance of molding their life according to their aspirations and passions.
Talking about people who stay true to their ambitions and focused throughout the journey, regardless of the challenging conditions surrounding them, there are a number of real-world examples. There is one that often passes under the radar – T.M.R.P.K Tennakoon. He is an Aeronautical Engineer at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), an IT specialist, and a county-level cricket player of the United Kingdom, who deserves to be brought under the limelight.
Tennakoon’s life story is worth narrating because it serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for the strugglers. People who give up as soon as they are hit by adversities can source inspiration from this story where a boy, who did not have access to even the basic commodities while growing up, acquired a prominent position in the world’s most prestigious organizations(NASA). Not only this, but he also established a strong reputation in the UK’s county cricket.
Academic Performance Beyond Comprehension
Tennekoon was born in the Sri Lankan city Kurunegala. Growing up in a neighborhood where youngsters were closer to drug addiction and alcoholism than they were to education was challenging for the young Tennakoon. Acquiring quality education and pursuing it further was not a common practice where Tennakoon lived. Despite being surrounded by the darker side of the world, the Sri Lankan boy was able to stay focused and aim for greatness. He always dreamt big and wanted to build a prominent standing in this world, which did not seem achievable to many.
In an environment polluted with drugs and alcohol, Tennakoon performed beyond society’s expectations. Even though he was too much into sports, he did not lose interest in education. He carefully divided his time to both his interests. During this time, Sujan, his friend from the Dharmaraja college – Kandy, was the only person who stood by his side. As a best friend, Sujan motivated Tennakoon to perform at his fullest potential. Due to his exceptional performance, including his athletic accomplishments and academic achievements, he received two presidential medals in school. While he was too much into sports, nobody could tell that he wanted to build a career in aerospace. He wanted to pursue all his passions and did not want to rest until he had done it all.
While playing cricket on a county level, Tennakoon acquired a scholarship at Cambridge University in 2011, a dream for many. Where many students give up on all their passions and hobbies to be a part of this prestigious institute, Tennakoon got a chance to study here while pursuing his passion for cricket. Without compromising on his studies, the passionate and determined Tennakoon played county cricket for Middlesex and Surrey.
This was not it for Tennakoon. On one hand, where he kept on playing cricket; on the other hand, he got appointed as an IT specialist at NASA, the world’s most renowned organization, located in the United States of America. From playing cricket on the country level to becoming an IT specialist in a renowned organization, Tennakoon has done it all. He states, “your mind is a powerful entity; change your mind, and it will change your life.” His life is, indeed, a source of inspiration for all those who believe one life is not enough to pursue what one loves.
A Determined Soul Reaching for the Sky
His brother, Indrajith Tennakoon, pushed him into sports that Tennakoon began to admire deeply. Tennakoon was just six years old when he stepped into boxing and cricket. As his city did not have many facilities for cricket, Tennakoon, with the help of his friends and brothers, made a pitch in the paddy fields. With a powerful motivator such as his brother, the young Tennakoon was determined to make it big in sports. Soon, those cricket hours on the paddy fields with his friends turned into a passion, which he pursued even as an adult. Even though his primary school, DS Senanayake, did not offer any sports facilities, he did not stop working on his game. He enrolled in private lessons to channel his love for cricket in the most productive way. All this, combined with the support from his brother and best friend, helped the young boy represent his city on a national level multiple times. From village cricket with friends to playing county cricket was an achievement in itself.
While being active in sports, Tennakoon was also impressed by the world of fitness and modeling. As he wanted to live a life with no regrets, he found it fitting to give bodybuilding and fitness modeling a try as well, all while he was still in high school. Not only did Tennakoon play cricket and boxed at a Country-level but also acquired the experience of working in the world of modeling. He even stepped into bodybuilding. He continued playing cricket and working as a fitness model when he was studying at one of the worlds’ most prestigious institutes, Cambridge University.
Building that Dream Life
It is not easy to attain academic success while having multiple other interests, but Tennakoon made it possible. He played cricket, not just as a hobby, but on a county level. Along with this, he even acquired experience as a fitness model. Despite being passionate about sports and fitness, Tennakoon did something that no one in his community could imagine. Fighting the adversities and growing up on his own in a deeply corrupt society was enough to derail him from his aims. His determination and perseverance helped him achieve his goal, which was to make it big in life.
Tennakoon was true to himself, and he never doubted his potential. Graduating from one of the world’s most well-reputed institutes, playing cricket on a county-level in the United Kingdom, and being appointed as an IT specialist at NASA – Is life too short to chase dreams and pursue passions? Tell that to T.M.R.P.K Tennakoon!