Digging In

How a $13 Pair of Cleats Led to an Experience of a Lifetime at CBU

While packing up and preparing to move from Ontario to Cape Breton for university, a $13 investment ended up being the best decision Alumni Spandan Bhachech ever made.

Born in Gujarat, India and raised in Brampton, Ontario, Spandan had experience around the world and wanted a high-quality education. He’d already been to three post-secondary institutions by 2017 and none felt right. He knew precisely what he wanted to accomplish but had not found the right fit.

After researching programs across the country and beyond, Spandan learned about the Bachelor of Engineering Technology program at CBU and knew he had found what he was looking for.

“This program is fast-tracked for someone who already holds an Advanced Diploma,” says Spandan. “I was looking to expand my knowledge, especially in controls, as that’s where the bulk of innovation in manufacturing currently happens.”

His research into Cape Breton University, as well as the culture and values of Cape Breton Island solidified his decision. He soon started planning his journey east, full of optimism and excitement. Discovering what sports and activities existed on campus was important because he wanted to take part in more than academics.

“Activity and socializing are important to me. I wanted to meet new people and also keep fitness as a part of my life,” says Spandan. “Education was the number one priority for me, but I wanted to get the full campus life experience and make the very best of it.”

When Spandan saw a $13 pair of cleats on sale while shopping for his new university adventure, he figured they might come in handy. After arriving on campus, a chance meeting with two rugby players plastering posters for tryouts in residence would forever change his life.

Spandan asked if they’d consider someone who never held a rugby ball in his life, and they quickly reassured him that ‘all are welcome.’ Within a few months, Spandan was excelling in the classroom and falling in love with a new sport. He was the happiest he had been in years and soon made lifelong friends in his rugby teammates.

During the three years he played rugby, his team went from underdogs to winning two provincial championships and a Maritime championship in 2019 and Spandan was selected as the MVP Forward. He knew at that time that Cape Breton would forever be a part of his life and that he’d made the right choice.

After graduation, Spandan found work in his field of electrical engineering and had some great experiences along the way before branching off to being his own boss.

Today, Spandan owns a small business that operates in Cape Breton. His goal is to expand Rung Controls Inc., which does contract work for automating manufacturing. He’s taking his experience working for General Motors and simplifying the process of automation for diverse clients’ needs.

“As we grow, I plan to hire CBU graduates because I know the level of education and value of the hands-on experience they are getting.”

Looking back at his time at CBU, in addition to his education, Spandan fondly recalls the experiences he had and the people he met. “My group of friends all had such diverse interests that every day, we experienced something new.”

A decision to explore a new university on a small island on the Atlantic Coast with a $13 pair of cleats in hand has led Spandan to lifelong friendships, career success, new passions, and a new forever-family. A proud CBU Alumni, Spandan will always attribute many of his accomplishments to his time at Cape Breton University.