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This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Don't let your life operate on cruise control. In 2014, I led a team of engineering students to break the world record for the fastest electric vehicle over 500km. What we learned was a powerful story of how University can be a platform of far more than books and exams - but rather about teamwork, friends, and being part of something bigger than yourself. Hayden Smith is the Project Director for Sunswift, the UNSW Solar Racing Team. Currently in his third year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) and Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) at the University of New South Wales, Hayden has been a member of the Sunswift team since the beginning of 2013, and has been leading the team since the beginning of 2014. Sunswift is a team of highly motivated undergraduate students that devote their spare time to building and racing solar cars. The current team have built the fifth car in Sunswift's twenty year history. This fifth car, eVe, was built upon the premise of becoming one of the world's first practical solar cars - a move away from the typical space-ship style solar car. Last year, eVe skyrocketed to media headlines after being the fastest vehicle over the finish line in the 2013 World Solar Challenge (a international solar car race from Darwin to Adelaide). In July 2014, Sunswift attempted, and broke, a 26 year old international record for the fastest electrical vehicle over a 500km distance at a speed of 107km/h. This record was a stepping stone in proving to the world that solar/electric vehicles are capable of travelling at high speeds and long distances simultaneously. The team's eyes are now set on working to modify eVe to become the first road-legal solar car in the southern hemisphere. Challenges such as these are the cornerstone of what the Sunswift team is about - providing a platform to learn and grow as a team for the future engineers of Australia. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)