Submitted by Whatcom Community College
Whatcom Community College student Sukhdip Singh is one of five statewide recipients of the 2015 Transforming Lives Award from the Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges (TACTC). Each of Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges nominate individuals for the prestigious award, which recognizes students who have overcome significant barriers to achieve their higher education goals and celebrates how two- year colleges help to transform lives through education. Singh conquered prejudice and financial challenges to pursue his goal of becoming a doctor. He will receive the Transforming Lives Award at a Jan. 28, ceremony in Olympia where he will share his story and receive a $500 prize.
“Sukhdip is truly an inspiring student,” says WCC President Kathi Hiyane-Brown. “He constantly challenges himself to perform at a higher level and is a thoughtful, compassionate person who is respected by his fellow students as well as faculty and staff. I am grateful TACTC is recognizing his perseverance, intellect and optimism. While his story is singular to his own experience, his desire to better his life and the community through higher education is representative of all our students and illustrates the importance of access to education.”
An international student from Greece, Singh credits the support system and vibrant Student Life program at Whatcom for his success. “The faculty and staff are genuinely willing to help,” he says. “Whatcom has enabled and encouraged me to grow, learn, and become stronger by using my past experiences as fuel to help me accomplish my goals.” A Sikh, Singh says growing up he experienced prejudice and persecution because of the color of his skin and his religion. He moved to the United States to escape the oppressive environment and to pursue his educational goals.
Singh, who has a 4.0 grade point average, is studying biology and will transfer to a four-year school after earning his associate’s degree from Whatcom this spring. He is an officer of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two- year colleges; serves on the student leadership team of the programming and diversity board; and is a member of the Associated Students of Whatcom Community College social justice, equity and pluralism committee. Demonstrating his belief in the power of education to overcome prejudice, he is organizing a Turban Awareness Day on campus.
