UNBC’s valedictorian for the 2023 Convocation Ceremony 1 is Furqana Khan, who will be receiving her Master of Social Work degree on May 26.
Furqana went to College Heights Secondary School in Prince George before attending UNBC to pursue her post-secondary education and now works as a social worker with Northern Health.
After graduating from UNBC with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2017, Khan then pursued a Master of Social Work degree at UNBC.
“I come from a family of health-care professionals and my dad was instrumental in helping me research the field of social work and, ultimately, find what’s become my passion,” said Khan.
“From the time I was about 15 years old, I knew I was meant to do social work in the healthcare system.”
Khan’s family moved to Prince George from the Middle East when she was a teenager. When attending CHSS, she always coupled her academic pursuits with community engagement and advocacy work.
“Ever since high school, I was always encouraged by my family, role models and mentors to pursue leadership roles,” said Khan.
“Because of that inspiration, support, and assurance in the value of my voice, I was able to learn that the full university experience goes far beyond the classes and degrees – the more you pour into it, the more enriched you are by the time you finish.”
As she reflects on her time at UNBC, Khan said her most important takeaway has been the relationships she’s built.
“The professors who guided me, the friends I shared notes with during group presentations, the cafeteria staff who waved to me every day – these are the people who have become my colleagues, clients and my network as I grow forward with my degrees.”
Khan intends to rely on that network of support as she continues to engage and advocate for positive change in northern B.C., in both a professional capacity and as an active volunteer with several local agencies.
“Working in a regional health-care facility, I regularly see people from smaller nearby communities coming to Prince George due to a lack of equitable health care in their communities. I have, and will continue, to use every platform possible to highlight the realities of northern B.C. to the rest of Canada.”
