Students’ future success shaped by studies

Abdullah Niazy, WCC student, hopes to be someone who can help others. Erik Smith | Washtenaw Voice

Alice McGuire

Deputy Editor

Having spent most of his life in Afghanistan, where he faced the everyday realities of war, Abdullah Niazy, a 22 year old student at Washtenaw Community College, is the first person in his family to learn to read and write. Niazy said that there was something within him that said, “I want to be educated” and expressed a desire to work in the medical field.

Niazy started learning English at the beginning of 2023, and has since published a book titled “Let Me Grow,” which he described as a self help book.

Laurie Englehart, the adult transitions director, expressed admiration for Niazy’s work ethic, saying, “I see him really putting in the time and effort.”

Without the help of others, writing a book would have been “impossible,” said Niazy, who went on to add, “I’m so satisfied with WCC, with all the tutors, with the teachers,” Niazy said. “This is a very good place. I’m so happy. If I continue here, I will be successful.”

Niazy is nearing the end of his time in ESL courses at Washtenaw Community College, bringing him one step closer to his dreams and career goals.

“Even if I don’t have a class, I come to WCC,” Niazy said, who went on to explain that he studies through a variety of methods, such as immersion through his place of work and listening to podcasts. He recommended all students make use of the library, saying, “Reading a book is exploring another life.”

Niazy went on to express his gratitude for the resources available to him and the fact that whenever he asked for help, there was someone who reached back. “Be a person who can ask others [for help] and give others help,” he said.

Olivia Hardin, an ESL instructor who has had Niazy in several of her courses, believes that Niazy’s attitude will carry him far in life, no matter which career he chooses. “He’s lovely to have in class. He always sits right in front, smiles at me the entire time, is not shy to ask questions and is really active in class too, which is really great. He is supportive of other students in the class,” said Hardin.

“The United States is a land of opportunity. If you try, you will achieve,” said Niazy, who explained that, before immigrating to the United States, he couldn’t access a library without payment.

To students who feel dismayed by the barriers which they may face, Niazy advises them to “Dream big and be serious. If you are serious about something, it will take time,” and adds that it is important to “keep a positive attitude towards your life.”

A PDF of “Let Me Grow” can be found at abdullahniazy.wordpress.com.