We are #NPRCProud to highlight Seemal Shahzadi, an Education Studies student in the Paraeducators Pathway Program, as part of #NationalTransferStudentWeek.
Shahzadi is a transfer student from Centennial College in Toronto, Canada and graduated in 2005. After graduation, she worked at Princess Margaret Hospital under an oncologist as a field placement student. Later, she acquired a full-time position at a pediatrician’s office for two years until she got married and started a family. She remained a mom and homemaker for 15 years until her youngest of her three sons went to school.
When she returned to the workforce, she entered the education field and relocated to the United States. She has now been a paraeducator for the Fairview School District in Erie County for nearly five years. Shahzadi is also a part-time student at NPRC and plans to earn an associate degree in 2028 before continuing her education to pursue a bachelor’s degree in special education. “The email I got at work about the Paraprofessional Pathway Program inspired me to learn more about the College and students with disabilities. I feel I’m discovering my passion right now by helping these children. I love the courses I’m enrolled in, and I have had some additional motivation because of the feedback from my teachers. They are always very helpful and supportive of all I’m balancing.”
Returning to the college classroom came with questions and concerns, but Shahzadi found support from Education Program Coordinator Jodi Guisto and Director of Admissions and Strategic Communications Abbi Petrosky. Both helped ease her concerns and made her feel more confident about taking the next step in her education. She continues to rely on her advisor, Sandie Rohlin, for guidance and support. Outside of the NPRC community, her husband Mohammad Essa and her three boys have been incredibly supportive of her decision to return to college and pursue her goal of becoming a teacher.
Her experience as a transfer student has given Seemal Shahzadi the opportunity to build new skills and unlock a new chapter in education. It’s helped her discover a passion she never knew she had, and her future career looks as bright as ever. With support from her family and NPRC faculty and staff, she’s working toward her goal of someday having a classroom of her own. Keep up the great work, Seemal!
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