Incredible year for Juwairia Junaid as she receives recognition at Association of College awards

Student Juwairia Junaid, has again been recognised after being named one of two finalists at this year’s Association of Colleges awards.

The annual awards celebrate students who stand out from the crowd, have gone above and beyond, whether in college or their local community.

Juwairia, who is currently studying for a Level 3 Preparation to Work in Health and Social Care diploma, was named Learner of the Year in the NCFE Aspiration Awards 2022 and was also shortlisted for the same title in the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) annual awards.

She said: “This is good news. The last year, and the experiences have been amazing. Everyone has been supportive and helped me the best way they can.

“I have been through a lot so far but there are a lot of people that have been there for me and I just want to do the same for those who have either gone through something similar or slightly different and show that having a disability does not limit you.”

Juwairia, who was born blind, has to use a lot of extra technology to pursue her studies and is accompanied by a learning assistant around campus. But those additional challenges haven’t stopped her from excelling academically, nor from taking on extra-curricular tasks – including presenting a local radio show that shines a light on disability issues.

Tracy Jardine, Programme Manager and Juwairia’s tutor at Leeds City College said: “She is a fantastic student. Her eagerness to learn is breathtaking.

“The fact that she is so passionate about disability issues and has such amazing insight makes her an inspiration and she will go on to inspire many more people around her.”

Corrienne Peasgood, President of the Association of Colleges, said: “The Student of the Year Awards rightly shine a light on individuals who have made a significant impact in their college and/or community. The finalists for the Young Student of the Year Award have all made outstanding contributions and should be extremely proud of their achievements.”

To learn more about health science and social care courses visit Leeds City College