For this student, the journey wasn’t easy, but the discovery of an unexpected destination has made it all worthwhile.

Parth Bhatia arrived on the Texas Tech University campus with a fairly well-formed plan to become a computer engineer.

Along the way, though, he discovered his real passion, thanks to getting involved with University Recreation. This new and tantalizing interest resulted from a series of fortunate events and opportunities that unlocked a previously unrealized vision, so much so that he will now pursue a master’s degree in recreation leadership.

“I’ve made so many connections here,” said Bhatia, who will graduate in May with a bachelor’s in computer engineering. “I won’t say that I found my family here because that’s too cliché, but I found a lot of friends, a lot of connections and a new career. 

“I mean, isn’t that what life’s about?”

Indeed, for many students, one aspect of the college experience is finding a career path that best aligns with their personal aspirations. Sometimes, this isn’t always easily discovered.

For Bhatia, the process first involved switching from computer science only to a blended world of computer science and electrical engineering. And while there were classes and concepts he enjoyed, the overall effort he put in didn’t deliver the same kind of personal satisfaction he received from his time with Sports Programs.

Over the course of 11 semesters (including summers), Bhatia has been part of a multitude of experiences in Sports Programs, starting with officiating intramural volleyball matches and gradually moving into other roles with additional responsibilities. He now serves as a student supervisor and student office manager.

Fun fact that illustrates this long-term commitment to the cause: Bhatia has a student employee T-shirt from every area in University Recreation.

“I have only been here for almost two years, but watching Parth’s growth in those two years has been amazing,” said Jordon German, program manager for sports programs at University Recreation. “He has gone from program assistant to supervisor to our office manager. He tackles every task head on and makes sure it’s not only completed but completed to the best of his ability.”

Bhatia has worked the front desk at the Robert H. Ewalt Student Recreation Center, greeting those who use the facility, and he has supervised other University Recreation employees, helping him learn valuable leadership lessons that will be applicable going forward.

In his current role, he helps take care of facilities and organizes officials for intramural competition. He also coordinates training for officials and assists in overseeing numerous aspects of game management to ensure competition takes place in a safe and secure setting.

“Being a part of Sports Programs has done a lot for me. I love the idea of organizing competitions and basically just doing anything and everything,” he said. “Putting something together from scratch, I find that enjoyable.”

As part of the Sports Programs team, Bhatia said he has felt encouraged and supported to challenge himself and learn as much as he can. A large percentage of Texas Tech students either use University Recreation facilities or compete in intramural sports, so student employees can learn a lot from these outside-the-classroom interactions that also equip them for future pursuits.

“I feel like the Sports Programs has given me so much already that if you threw me out there on my own, I could probably do a decent job,” he said. “I am not done being a student yet. I still have a couple more years to learn.”

So far, though, Bhatia has been a quick study in Sports Programs, soaking up knowledge and becoming a valuable employee who can be relied upon.

“Parth has such passion and dedication to not only university recreation but for his colleagues,” German said. “He is someone who truly wants his colleagues to be the best they can be. His attention to detail and his care for others are things that people admire.

“I’m going to miss him so much. I know all of University Recreation will miss him dearly. They all enjoy him so much.”

Bhatia remembers having virtually no expectations when he got to Texas Tech. He wasn’t sure how the ensuing four years would unfold or what experiences might take place.

As he looks back, he can hardly believe the dizzying speed with which time has passed. In some ways, it’s been a blur, but it’s also been a time for learning about himself and growing as a result.

“I came here with basically nothing in mind,” he said. “I didn’t even know these doors that have opened for me existed at the time. But I am so glad I found them.

“All of these possibilities that have opened up in my life only opened because of Texas Tech. It has opened possibilities of the future.”