In this month’s What’s Up student column, Renata Tomacs shares how her childhood passion for sport has shaped her studies, career path, and continued involvement in the sports community.

Sport has been a part of my life since early childhood. I tried myself in several areas for shorter periods, but my greatest passion quickly became what is often referred to as „the queen of sports”: athletics. Seven years in competitive sport taught me invaluable lessons and added so much to my life. It encouraged perseverance, patience, and humility. My experiences in sport taught me that success is never the result of a single factor, but of a well-functioning system – a mindset I now apply in both my studies and work.

After my years as an athlete, my passion for sport continued through my work. In January 2023, I applied for a position at the University of Miskolc Sports Club (MEAFC), where they were looking for a communications intern for the organizing team of that year's European University Badminton and Water Polo Championships in Miskolc. I could not have imagined then how incredible a journey I was about to begin.

In July 2023, I took part in my first two international university sports events. During the EUC, I mainly worked on social media management, content creation, and writing summaries. I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity and creativity of the tasks, and I especially loved the atmosphere I was part of throughout the events: fast-paced days, spontaneous challenges, and dynamic teamwork defined the communication crew.

These two EUC events were test competitions ahead of the European University Games (EUG) 2024 in Miskolc and Debrecen. To my great joy, I was also given the opportunity to be part of the EUG. I worked closely with Réka Molnár, the local operational director, which allowed me to learn firsthand about project management, process coordination, and the everyday functioning of different organizational units. Working alongside Reka was a huge professional learning experience for me, and as the intense preparations progressed, I became deeply attached to the project – the success of the 2024 EUG became something truly close to my heart. It was the kind of workplace where we were happy to stay late, where we faced challenges with dedication, and where working toward a shared goal turned into a lifelong memory. Beyond the professional development, I also met many inspiring people who combined talent with remarkable character, and I’m grateful that several of these encounters turned into connections that continue beyond the scope of the project. It was truly amazing to see so many athletes brought together by their love of movement and sport. Thanks to our hard work, they were able to fully enjoy their time in Miskolc, making the event a memorable and joyful experience for everyone involved. The end of the event left a real void in me.

Thanks to MEAFC, my career in university sport didn’t end with the EUG 2024. I was able to stay and continue working with them, supporting both the event's post-reporting and the club’s daily operations.

Through my job, I also had the opportunity to participate in the 2024 FISU World Forum in Zagreb, held under the motto “University Sport: Creating a Better World.” The program included keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events that addressed topics such as sports management, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and innovation in university sport. I gained valuable experience there and engaged in thought-provoking discussions. It was an incredibly empowering few days.

Then in 2025, I attended the EUSA YouMind project meeting in Munich, as part of the  European Youth and Sport Platform. The goal of the event was to provide a space where young voices could share their ideas and actively contribute to shaping decisions in the field of sport. Over 150 young participants from across Europe gathered to reflect together through a variety of interactive sessions. I learned a lot about the importance of mental health among athletes through the YouMind project, and I also had the chance to present the results we had achieved at MEAFC in this field.

The past 2.5 intense years in university sport have reinforced my belief that sport is a powerful force for building community. It brings people together across different backgrounds, cultures, and mindsets, while promoting values like cooperation, respect, perseverance, and fair play. The shared experiences, human connections, and common goals I encountered in sport are not only motivating, but also serve as guidance in other areas of life.

This is precisely why my studies are so important to me as well: I truly believe that academic knowledge and the lessons learned through sport complement and strengthen each other. Both contribute to building a more conscious and meaningful future – one where knowledge, community, and collaboration are deeply valued. In 2023, I graduated with honors in economics from the University of Miskolc, and continued my studies there in a master’s program.

If all goes as planned, I will finish the MBA course this year and start my PhD studies afterward. Although combining work and university life leaves little free time, it has never felt like a burden. Rather, the two responsibilities complement each other perfectly.

The unforgettable experiences I have gained through university sport have shaped me not only professionally but also personally. I am truly grateful to be part of an environment where sport and learning go hand in hand – where I can learn every day about myself, about others, and about the world. I firmly believe that this kind of experience-based development is what leads us forward in every aspect of life.

The world of sport is always exciting and welcoming, offering a space where everyone’s perspective is valued and respected. I encourage you to stay open-minded, embrace every opportunity that comes your way, and explore the world beyond your comfort zone. Travel, learn not only in the classroom but also from one another and through your own experiences. This openness and curiosity will enrich your life far beyond the boundaries of sport.