Published on August 25, 2026
Shahreen Alam’s journey to NAIT began with a difficult decision. After a year in a competitive statistics program at another Edmonton post-secondary institution, she realized she craved a more hands-on, people focused career. “It was heavy on theory,” she says. “But I wanted something more practical, something that would give me solid career choices, so I took a break to research my options.”
When Shahreen discovered NAIT’s Occupational Health and Safety program, everything aligned. The applied learning, strong employment outcomes, and opportunities to help others in her future career, drew her in immediately.
As a recent permanent resident supporting herself entirely and being far from family support, Shahreen struggled at first. Balancing full-time studies with part-time work left her stretched thin. “Trying to manage both work and school responsibilities left me feeling constantly overwhelmed and brought me to the verge of burnout,” she says. Receiving student awards during her time at NAIT changed everything.
The financial support allowed Shahreen to reduce her work hours, focus on her coursework and stay engaged in her program.
“I could put my focus on my educational experience and not on how to pay next month’s rent.”
With this new stability, she found the time and mental space to attend professional events, volunteer, and build meaningful relationships with instructors who often stayed after class to help deepen her understanding of core concepts and industry-related equipment.
This freedom also opened doors for other extraordinary achievements. While still a student, Shahreen completed the National Health and Safety Administrator designation. She was also able to volunteer for the Steps for Life fundraising walk and serve as the volunteer coordinator for the Occupational Health and Safety Club at NAIT.
Her dedication these past two years is paying off. She recently accepted a job offer with the Alberta Construction Safety Association, where she will begin her career as a certificate of recognition audit review analyst. After graduation, she also plans to challenge the Canadian Registered Safety Technician exam — which will give her a nationally recognized stamp of competency in the OHS profession.
For Shahreen, donor support has been life-changing.
“Your support did more than help me financially, it motivated me to keep going and continue to strive towards my goals. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!”
From overwhelmed to empowered: The impact of donor generosity on Shahreen’s journey
“I could put my focus on my educational experience and not on how to pay next month’s rent.”
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