Vancouver Community College Valedictorian Travels From Baghdad to BC

Huda Hamoudi’s started half way across the world in Baghdad.

Any journey worth taking seldom has a straight line. Vancouver Community College valedictorian Huda Hamoudi’s journey to completing her education brought her to Vancouver and started half way across the world in Baghdad.

Hamoudi earned her PhD in structural engineering in Iraq at the University of Baghdad. She came to Canada and enrolled at Vancouver Community College to add some Canadian credentials to her resume.

“Immigration to Canada was the biggest challenge we’ve faced,” said Hamoudi during her speech at a packed VCC Broadway auditorium.

“But as a family, we accepted the challenge.”

Hamoudi was one of six Vancouver Community College valedictorians to speak that day. She was chosen to represent the School of Arts and Science, School of Hospitality and Business, and School of Music, Dance and Design.

“Having the VCC drafting technician certificate has made a big difference in my life,” said Hamoudi. “I’m deeply honoured to be part of such a great, dynamic community.”

Her story is one of determination, and has earned her the respect of everyone at the school.

“We’re very honoured Huda chose Canada, Vancouver, and Vancouver Community College,” said Bill Radford, vice-president, community and advancement.

Schools mentioned: Vancouver Community College