Today, we’re spotlighting Aazam, who came to Coquitlam College from India with a simple goal: to push himself and grow. What he didn’t expect was how much the community here would shape his experience.

For Aazam, getting straight A’s wasn’t about pulling all-nighters or relying on complicated study tricks. “Listening to the instructors has been the only way for me,” he says. “Class participation helps a lot.” That consistency paid off—he earned the President’s Award for Spring 2025. “When my name was called, I was over the moon. The cheers from friends and professors is something I’ll never forget.”

Outside of class, Aazam dove right into campus life. As a Student Ambassador, he helped students at the Help Desk, volunteered in the library, and joined clubs like Community Club, Dance Club, and Movie Club. Through all of it, he built friendships and a real sense of belonging.

When he’s not on campus, you’ll probably find him exploring Metro Vancouver—Canada Place, English Bay, Crescent Beach, and the White Rock Pier are some of his favourites. But nothing beats North and West Vancouver, he says.

Looking back, Aazam says the college experience gave him “more than I could ever return—knowledge, life experiences, memories, and lifelong friends.”

And his advice for future students? “Avoid distractions, ignore anyone who belittles education, and find a balance between studying and working. Focus on what matters, trust the process, and surround yourself with people who lift you up.”