Aaron Hume has been nominated for Student of the Year at the 2021 College Development Network (CDN) Awards. Aaron was nominated for his dedicated involvement in committees and initiatives throughout the college, even throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aaron adapted well to remote learning and showed real resilience and an ability to work round the various challenges the current climate has created to continue to pursue his goals.
His passion about giving those who are underrepresented an amplified voice is commendable. His lead by example attitude and commitment towards changing the way people look at those with disabilities makes him an ideal candidate for this award.
Commenting on his work with the college, Aaron said:
“My role as student ambassador is to help promote the student voice around college and beyond and be a friendly and supportive face around campus and provide information and guidance as and when needed. My role involves being a member of the Dive In group which is to promote equality and diversity and is made up of staff and students. We aim to promote awareness for example black history month or autism awareness month.”
After hearing about being shortlisted for the award he told us:
“I was so shocked and buzzing to find out I had been nominated for Student of the Year but to then find out on the same day I had been shortlisted I was just in a complete daze.
“I try my hardest at everything I do, I try to help everyone if I can, not just people with disabilities, and I am always trying to prove those out there who don’t believe in me wrong and I can be a valuable member of society.
“I am just me being me doing what I love and getting to meet lots of new people and learn more about the world around me and hopefully helping to make Scotland a better, safer, more tolerant place to live where every individual is treated fairly and equally no matter what.
“To find out that other people see that in me and believe in me too is the best feeling in the world.”
Many others within the college are keen to celebrate Aaron, Student President Jeanette Dobson, said: “Aaron a very outstanding student, always keen to help anyone with anything.
“No job is too small for Aaron and no job is too big for him, he is always there if anyone needs him. Aaron always likes to keep himself busy and is very keen to learn new things. I love working with him.”
Director of Workforce Development Diane Mitchell added: “Words cannot describe the warmth, kindness and humour Aaron brings to our student/staff equalities group. Aaron is truly a young man with the biggest heart and it has been an absolute privilege to work with him over the last year.”