WCC Student is ''Transforming Lives'' Nominee

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February 08, 2018
Whatcom Community College (WCC) student Nagla Mohamed-Lamin is the College’s nominee for the 2018 Transforming Lives Award sponsored by the Washington State Association of College Trustees (ACT). Nominees were honored at a Jan. 22 ceremony in Olympia, Wash.
Nagla overcame countless obstacles before coming to WCC in 2016. She was born and raised in a refugee camp in Algeria and quit school at the age of 14 to help care for her family. After studying English for eight years, she took the advice of an American friend and decided to pursue education in the United States. She raised the necessary funds for her tuition and spent three years obtaining the proper requirements to study in the U.S.
“I was so excited about the news of my approval [to study in America],” said Nagla. “Looking at the brochures for WCC, I saw there were students of all ages and backgrounds. I was compelled by the diversity of the students, events and clubs.”
Nagla is studying environmental science. After WCC, she hopes to transfer to a four-year university and major in sustainable development. She said her biggest dream is to help refugees and continue to advocate for the rights of the Western Sahara people. Nagla has spoken about the refugee experience at the United Nations and many other high-profile international events across multiple continents.
“I want to tell those who are currently attending a community college, or those hoping to attend, they have to know that no matter how many barriers are in their way, nothing can stop them from following their dreams,” said Nagla. “Being part of WCC has convinced me there are so many hands willing to guide you to your success.”
About the Transforming Lives Award: The Washington State Association of College Trustees (ACT) created the Transforming Lives Awards program in 2012 to recognize current or former students whose lives have been transformed by pursuing higher education at a community or technical college. Each of Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges nominate individuals for the prestigious award. For more information, visit www.sbctc.edu.
 
About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College is a regionally and nationally accredited college with an accomplished faculty and staff who serve 11,000 students annually. The College works closely with industry to prepare graduates to excel in their fields and meet emerging business trends. On its campus in Bellingham, Wash., and through online courses, Whatcom offers a four-year bachelor of applied science, transfer and professional-technical degrees, as well as basic education, job skills training, and community education classes. For more information, visit whatcom.edu.