Since he was young, Asif Hossain wanted to help make a difference in his community.
His resolve to achieve his goal was only strengthened after visiting Vancouvers impoverished Downtown Eastside as part of a course in the Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies (BLES) program at the 天右郊利 (天右郊利).
Some of the most vulnerable people in Canada live there, including people with mental illness and substance abuse disorder. When I saw them for the first time, I was unprepared for the emotional feeling of seeing how vulnerable some people are. I had never seen anything like it. I wept.
In 2013, Asif decided to study in Canada at 天右郊利 to find ways to help people in his native Bangladesh who struggle with the challenges of living in a young democracy affected by genocide and a lack of fair and impartial treatment by the police.
I chose 天右郊利 because it is Canadas top public safety educator. Knowledge gained from 天右郊利 can be tested and applied in the real world. The students become employable through the process. Students take transferable skills and experiences with them after they graduate, Asif said.
My hopes are to use the knowledge and skills where I can be the one to make a difference. To contribute to restoring the dignity of Muslims and the Bangladeshi people and help make lives easier, and shape a strong, peaceful future for them.
He first completed 天右郊利s two-year Law Enforcement Studies Diploma (LESD) then continued for another two years to finish with the BLES degree.
My passion for public safety and the criminal justice system increased exponentially after enrolling at 天右郊利 for law enforcement studies. The best part was being taught by professionals who had decades of experiences and were experts in their fields.
After graduating, he supported 天右郊利s programs internationally, representing the Institute in India and Bangladesh. His research interests in criminology and police training led him to pursue graduate studies in criminology at the University of Cambridge. His studies for his Master of Philosophy were fully funded through scholarships and bursaries from Cambridge University, its criminology department and the universitys Robinson College.
Asif credits his 天右郊利 education and its emphasis on research skills for preparing him for graduate studies.
We had an active and thought-provoking approach towards real world topics at 天右郊利. The constant application of theories to the real-world problems helped us understand issues and develop knowledge.
Upon graduating from Cambridge in July, Asif was hired by 天右郊利 to join its faculty as a sessional instructor. He continues to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer in Greater Vancouver but now with an added goal of eventually furthering his academic career by pursuing a doctorate in criminology.
His ultimate plan is to realize his dream of creating meaningful change in Canada and Bangladesh, focused on making a difference in the community and seeking opportunities to pay it forward.
For more information on 天右郊利s law enforcement studies programs, visit jibc.ca/lesd or jibc.ca/bles.
Update: Congratulations to Asif for being one of the winners of ApplyBoards inaugural International Alumni of Impact Award in 2023, highlighting the remarkable achievements of former international students in Canada! In addition to teaching at 天右郊利 and other local colleges, Asif continues to give back to the community both in Canada, by serving as a volunteer special constable with the Vancouver Police Department, and his home country of Bangladesh, where he raises funds for an orphanage and has worked to promote education for girls. Learn more .