Icebreaker Speech

Hi, everyone!

My name is Kanes Rakeshan, but you can call me Rakeshan. I’m from a small seaside village called Mathagal, located in the Jaffna District. It’s a peaceful place known for its paddy fields, beach, and a strong community of fishermen and farmers. Growing up there, I experienced the beauty of simplicity and hard work, which has shaped the person I am today.

I come from a family of five. My father is a fisherman, my mother is a housewife, my elder brother works in a solar panel company, and my elder sister is a primary school teacher. I’m proud to be the first person in my family to attend university, and especially at the University of Moratuwa, where I’m pursuing Computer Science and Engineering. I’m sure my parents are extremely proud of me.

As for me, well, I’m someone who’s still figuring things out. I’ve always been a bit of a latecomer whether it’s for school, class, or even birthdays! But one thing I do know is that I’ve always had an interest in computers. That interest grew into a passion for engineering, especially after watching a Tamil movie and being inspired by my cousin, who is an engineer himself. I still don’t have a favorite subject in my field yet, but I’m excited about what’s ahead.

Some might say I’m always calm and never get angry, but that’s a bit of a misunderstanding. I stay composed, but I can definitely feel frustration especially when the WiFi goes out unexpectedly! People also think I’m the quiet, “too cool for school” type, but I’m actually a mix of funny, a little toxic (in a playful way), and very calm.

When I’m not focused on studies, I like to talk with friends or play games like Bloodstrike and Among Us. I’m also a fan of TV series and movies, and I’ve watched quite a few! But if I could give some advice to my younger self, it would definitely be:

“Study more and spend less time watching films!”

Like many of us, I’m still figuring out what the future holds. But one thing I know for sure is that I want to become a successful engineer and eventually start my own company. I’m constantly growing and learning, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

Thank you!