STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2008
Musawar Ahmad
University College London
WINNER OF
Xcel Social Science/Social Work
Student of the Year Award
Xcel Social Science/Social Work
Student of the Year Award
Musawar Ahmad was this year’s winner of the Xcel Social Sciences / Social Work Student of the Year award. Musawar won the award for his high academic achievement and his extensive extra-curricular involvement in raising money for charity and improving student welfare.
After achieving exceptional GCSE and A Level results, Musawar applied for the BSc Economics course at UCL. Notoriously a difficult course to get onto, Musawar was among the 150 who were successful out of 1,700 applicants. Throughout studying for his course, Musawar has been conscientious, hard working and has consistently performed above average in his modules. Since being nominated for the award, Musawar achieved a 2:1 in his degree and is now pursuing his studies further with an MSc Mathematical Trading and Finance at Cass Business School. In addition to achieving top marks on a highly competitive and difficult course, Musawar has devoted a significant proportion of his time to working for charity. For many years, Musawar has been involved as a volunteer for Humanity First and has contributed to generating £4,000 worth of sales in the 2008 International Convention. Musawar has also taken on the responsibility of being the Student Affairs Secretary at the MKA Youth Organisation where he has provided mentoring, tuition and careers advice for members.
Musawar has fully involved himself in extra-curricular university life. Not only was he the Event Leader in the Social Committee but he also became President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Society looking after the welfare of all members, arranging weekly prayer meetings and inter-university social events. On winning his award, Musawar said: “It’s great to be recognised by the Xcel Awards for all the efforts I have put in to reach the level attained so far, for which my main driving force has been my family. I have been very fortunate to have the support around me, without which I would not have had the opportunities to progress and be able to fulfil my ambitions. I hope this award will act as a springboard to move forward and achieve even greater things in the future.”
Having his achievements nationally recognised has made Musawar and his family very proud: “My family and friends are overjoyed and feel honoured that I have been chosen for this award from among many students across the UK. I hope that by recognising the achievements of hardworking students from diverse and challenging backgrounds, the Xcel Awards will be a source of inspiration for other students, and will motivate them to fulfil their ambitions and stretch their potential to the limit, regardless of their circumstances.”
Interview by: Emily Crane
