Welcome to my academic achievements section—a testament to my dedication, hard work, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Throughout my educational journey, I have encountered numerous opportunities to challenge myself, explore diverse subjects, and grow as a scholar. As you delve into this section, you will discover the milestones I have attained, the accolades I have received, and the defining moments that have shaped my academic path.
Above and Beyond
When I arrived in Canada in 2017, I had no prior knowledge of the English language. However, over the years, I diligently worked to achieve a solid proficiency in English. This determination didn't deter me from pursuing further education in the language. In 2021, as part of the Dual Credit Program, I enrolled in a "Communications" course at Mohawk College, driven by my passion for effective communication and language development. Despite already fulfilling the language requirements for Fanshawe College, I wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to enhance my language skills and further refine my communication abilities.
Course completion certificate by Mohawk College for Communication LL041 granted to Alan Kalash in December 2021
This may come as a surprise but it was also my first time getting introduced to Braille in 2017. Braille is a tactile writing system used to represent different languages. It allows me to read and write in English. Apart from that, I have tried braille for Arabic but only out of curiosity. How does it work? I use my sense of touch to feel the raised dots and interpret the patterns to understand the written information. I mentally process the information I feel through my fingers and understand it in the same way sighted individuals comprehend written text. This enables me to participate more fully in education, communication, and daily life.
Learning Braille alongside English was intimidating, but I was determined to persevere. Feeling the letters with my fingertips felt confusing at first, but I kept pushing forward. With time and effort, reading Braille became easier, giving me confidence and joy. It's proven to be incredibly useful for note-taking and reading various texts. Braille has become an invaluable tool, empowering me in my academic and everyday duties. I'm grateful for this journey and the newfound communication and empowerment it has brought me.
Here, I am going over the Braille cells.
That is how I read and also occasionally write, using the Braille system.
Similarly, my profound interest in Psychology motivated me to enroll in a course on "Positive Psychology" at Conestoga College in 2022. This academic pursuit not only enriched my understanding of the subject but also presented a unique challenge in managing my studies at my home institution while dedicating time and effort to excel in the additional course. The experience proved invaluable in honing essential skills such as time management, academic proficiency, and the ability to balance multiple commitments effectively.
Throughout my academic journey at Fanshawe College, I have garnered praise and accolades from my professors, reflecting my dedication and commitment to excellence. One notable achievement was receiving a perfect score of 100, securing the highest mark in class, for my essay on World Hunger. These affirmations of my academic performance have further fueled my passion for learning and reinforced my love for academia.
Click the button below to view my grade reports and transcripts as PDF files-
Awards and Scholarships
In the month of June 2022, I received not one but two certificates from my now alma mater, W. Ross MacDonald School. The first certificate, the Bridges Award for Perseverance is granted to a student who keeps up with their academics, as well as their household chores, and maintains a positive attitude through difficulties.
During my time in the Bridges program, I used to live independently. I took on a multitude of responsibilities, including cooking, cleaning, traveling, and studying, among other tasks. Despite facing numerous challenges, I developed the habit of maintaining a cheerful demeanor, concealing any personal struggles behind a smile. It is understandable that not everyone can perceive or empathize with one's pain or suffering, leading me to often keep such emotions to myself. Throughout this journey, I learned the importance of treating others with respect, embracing a compassionate attitude, and fostering love instead of animosity.
Living independently has been a profound learning experience, particularly in acquiring essential life skills. The knowledge gained from this endeavor has proven beneficial in various aspects of life.
Bridges Award for Perseverance granted to Alan Kalash in June 2022
The second certificate is the Alumni Association Award which I received for my outstanding performance in the Co-op program. This placement has granted me the opportunity to partake in beautiful moments of teaching children and soliciting their opinions on technology and other relevant topics related to work, among other subjects. Being an Education Assistant in this special school has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Alumni Association Award granted to Alan Kalash in June 2022
Recipient of the 2022 AEBC and T-Base Scholarship
The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) stands as a national charitable organization predominantly comprising blind, deafblind, or partially sighted members. Since its establishment in 1992, AEBC has actively engaged in working groups and committees at the national, provincial, and municipal levels. They tirelessly advocate for accessibility, equality, and the elimination of barriers in how organizations and businesses deliver products, programs, and services throughout Canada.
Recipient of the 2022/23 CNIB Scholarship
Established in 1918, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to redefine the experience of visual impairment in contemporary times. Through its innovative programs and impactful advocacy, the foundation empowers individuals affected by blindness, enabling them to pursue their aspirations and dismantle barriers to inclusivity.
I received the Dr. John and Olive Pyper Scholarship which was "established by the family of Dr. John Pyper, a Stratford, Ont., ophthalmologist who extracted the first two human eyes donated to the Eye Bank of Canada in 1955. The scholarship is given to a student who is blind or partially sighted living in Southwestern Ontario (Perth, Wellington, Oxford, Middlesex and Huron counties)."
Licenses and Certifications
I am a Canadian Red Cross certified Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C provider. The issue date for the certificate is April 29, 2022 and will last until April 28, 2025.
Front side of the certificate
Back side of the certificate
