Faisal Alsafadi came to Canada to receive an education at Niagara College and further explore his interest in Computer Science studies. While working hard in the classroom with a goal to become an entrepreneur one day, Alsafadi also immersed himself in activities outside of the classroom that enhanced his personal and professional skills.
We checked in with Alsafadi as he graduates on June 19 from NC’s General Arts and Science program.
Faisal Alsafadi
Age: 34
Nationality: Palestinian
Hometown: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Program: General Arts and Science
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award, School of Academic Studies (94%)
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
I am very happy and grateful to the college and to the division to be granted a prestigious award that acknowledges my hard work, dedication, and accomplishments in the General Arts and Science program.
To what factors do you attribute your academic success? What motivates you to succeed?
The factors I attribute to my academic success are time management, attention to detail, encouragement from family and friends, and careful career planning to succeed in Canada. Following other immigrants’ success stories of their struggles and eventual achievements since landing in Canada, inspires and motivates me to work hard to accomplish my dreams.
Why are you passionate about your field of study?
I have always had a passion in the field of Computer Science after experiencing it first-hand through three of my older brothers who studied in the IT fields and found an interest in this field. The General Arts and Science program gave the opportunity to advance my English skills and explore computer studies. IT is a highly progressive and competitive field that will always require studying to stay up-to-date in new advancements, and is a field that will always be needed in the job market.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind? Do you feel that completing your program will help you achieve that goal?
My career/lifelong goal is to be a professional entrepreneur in my field of study and experience in IT/Project Management. Completing my program helped me advance both academically and professionally, which will help me achieve my goal in the near future.
What was your situation when you enrolled at NC?
I arrived in St. Catharines, Ontario in the Fall of 2017 as a new immigrant to Canada, and enrolled at NC after completing two Occupation-specific Language Training (OSLT) courses and the General Arts and Science (Enhanced Language Training for Employment) one-year program offered through Niagara College. I continued with the General Arts and Science diploma program because it helped me explore, study, and experience courses from different programs to decide what specialized area of industry to continue with based on my passion and the B.Sc. in Computer Science that I received from the Islamic University of Gaza.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
Yes, the first General Arts and Science program included a work placement that led me to work in the Niagara College’s IT department. Once my placement finished, I was hired in a part-time position as a Project Assistant in the Project Portfolio Office (PPO) where I continued to be employed as a returning student to complete a secondary diploma in Computer Systems Technician – Network and Cloud Technologies. I have enjoyed working with a very professional and understanding team who continues to help me succeed in work performance and supports me to continue advancing my knowledge and experience.
Were you involved in any clubs/ teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?
I was involved in many activities and volunteered at many events and workshops inside and outside of NC. These experiences helped me enhance my mentorship and networking skills, gain first-hand experience, and build my professional career and included:
- Arabic Language Instructor at Islamic Society of St. Catharines
- Active Volunteer at Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre
- Reading Mentor for the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore “School to Home Reading Program” at District School Board of Niagara (DSBN)
- Student Volunteer for the Niagara College Bridge the Gap Program at District School Board of Niagara (DSBN)
- Computer Tutor at Niagara Regional Learning Centre Niagara
- Volunteer for Niagara College’s Open House at Niagara College
- IT Support for the CICan 2019 Conference at Colleges and Institutes Canada
What does graduating mean to you personally?
Graduation is an exciting personal achievement to remind me that I have accomplished another step toward my career goal. I was looking forward to our formal graduation, as every student hopes, to share our accomplishment with family and friends, but we are also part of a historical time in history that will make our virtual graduation a unique one that uses my passion in the IT field to its full advantage.
Are you planning to attend your virtual convocation ceremony?
I am planning to attend my virtual convocation ceremony and I am feeling very excited to be awarded in front of family and friends, who will be watching from Saudi Arabia and parts of Ontario.
Niagara College is celebrating its 5,000 spring graduates with its first-ever virtual convocation ceremonies from June 15-19. Visit the College’s Virtual Convocation site to view the schedule or to access the livestream ceremonies: niagaracollege.ca/virtualconvocation/.
