Khalid Ahmed

Academic Advisor

MSc in Globalisation & Development, SOAS University of London
Graduate Certificate in Sports Management, Durham College
BA in Business Administration, University of Alabama

What do you value about Academic Advising?

I strive to provide a welcoming environment and build rapport with my students. My goal is to engage students in active learning to help them brainstorm, develop and achieve their academic, personal and career goals. I promote to students the idea of having a holistic university experience with student success and growth as the primary goals but complemented with extracurricular activities, study abroad, internship, volunteer experience, work experience, soft skills, etc…

Why do you like supporting students?

A really good advising session is very rewarding for me, particularly when the message gets through as I feel that I continue to make small/big positive impacts in students’ academic journey and overall lives. I really appreciate the thank you notes I receive from students when they feel that I went above and beyond to advise about an issue that wasn’t part of their original inquiry.

If you were to meet your younger self again, what advice would you give based on your experiences?

I would remind me to prioritize extracurricular experiences such as coop, internships, and volunteer experiences. I would also explain the importance of attending office hours more regularly and not to shy away from asking professors for reference letters 🙂

Academic Advisor

What do you value about Academic Advising?

I value Academic Advising because it supports students in many different ways. Sometimes, it helps students make informed and meaningful decisions. Sometimes, it gives new perspectives when students feel stuck. Other times, it’s like a “massage for the mind”—helping them feel calm and understood. Being heard and seen is important for everyone, and advising can offer that even just a little. These are just a few reasons why I value Academic Advising.

A few years ago, a colleague shared their thoughts on advising: it’s also a way to understand human nature. When we work with students, we also see ourselves—our strengths and biases. This helps us grow, not only as advisors but also as people. I agree with their insight, and I’ve thought about it many times. It reminds me to stay open, be kind, and respect the diverse experiences that students bring.

Who or what made the biggest positive impact on you when you were studying? And how did they support you?

I was lucky to meet some wonderful professors when I was a student. They offered a lot of support during their office hours and even during coffee breaks between classes. They created a safe and comfortable space for us who came with questions. I approached them to share my ideas on assignments and ask for feedback on my research. They were patient, and sometimes they challenged me, but in a healthy and developmental way. Because of them, I was pushed out of my comfort zone, and I discovered that it wasn’t so bad after all!

My friends at university also made a positive impact on me. Having coffee with them or doing activities together helped me relax and kept me moving forward. They always brought their unique perspectives, and I had many “woah” moments when I heard their insights.

What is one of your proudest accomplishments as a student?

One of my proudest accomplishments as a student was when my team won the trivia competition in our English class. The instructor wanted to inspire us to learn about language, literature, and culture beyond the classroom, so they organized the competition. Our team won a small prize, cookies, but that was enough to make us happy!

I was amazed by how different team members knew different things about the world, even if they were just small trivia facts. I still remember our celebration and the laughter echoing through the classroom. This experience showed me the power of teamwork and how valuable each person’s unique knowledge and experiences are, learning that have stayed with me into my adult life and work. Last but not least, it reminded me that learning is not just from the classroom, and shouldn’t be limited to it.

Academic Advisor

(He/Him)

B.A in Chinese Language and Literature, University of Hong Kong

What do you value about Academic Advising?

What I love about Academic Advising is the strong sense of community. We don’t just support students — we also look out for one another as colleagues. Life isn’t always sweet, but my team has been there for me in meaningful ways, sometimes even literally feeding me when I needed it most 😀 That’s the kind of care I hope students feel when they visit us. We’re here to help, listen, and walk with them — like friends do.

What would surprise people to know about you?

People are often surprised to learn that I once left a university to retake the public exam — even though I was studying science, a subject I didn’t really enjoy. A year later, I switched paths and became an Arts student instead.

Looking back, both experiences shaped who I am today and led me to Canada. Whether it’s Arts or Science, each step was part of the same journey. Like they say, “life is like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’re going to get,” and that’s exactly what makes it meaningful.

Associate Academic Advisor

(She/Her)

B.A. in Psychology and Speech Sciences, University of British Columbia

What do you value about Academic Advising?

Among many things, I value the connections I get to make with students the most. Each student I get to work with brings a unique story and different aspirations, and I find fulfillment in having the opportunity to offer help or guidance in whatever way needed. Whether it’s helping clarify complex academic policies or providing guidance with degree planning, I enjoy getting to know each student. So much can happen over the course of one’s degree; students come see us at various highs and lows of their academic and personal lives. I hope to always be a reliable anchor for students as they navigate their journey through academia and beyond.

If you were to meet your younger self again, what advice would you give based on your experiences?

When I was younger, something I struggled with was always feeling the need to have the ideal plan and avoiding failure as much as possible. It’s something that I am still working on today! If I were to meet my younger self now, I would say that you learn about yourself and grow the most through times filled with uncertainties and failures. It is okay to not know exactly where you are going, but just take it one task, and one day at a time, focusing on what brings you joy and fulfillment.

Associate Director

(He/Him)

M.A. in Communications, Simon Fraser University

What do you value about Academic Advising?

From my perspective, Academic Advising can play a very meaningful role in every student’s academic journey. Advisors do more than just tell students what to enroll in, but can provide a connection for students to understand and make informed choices in the learning and personal growth opportunities that are available to them. I greatly value the opportunity to support each student no matter if they are trying to figure if going to university is for them, trying to decide on a major or looking towards life after crossing the stage with their degree.

What was your experience of further or higher education like?

I feel privileged to have been both a student and a student services professional within the B.C. public higher education system. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to have learned and worked with some truly dedicated and caring colleagues and faculty members over the past 20 years. Over that time, my experience has been filled with many challenges, opportunities and changes that has helped me grow both personally and professionally.