Business student Nishall Garala has been named as one of the finalists in this year's national Student of the Year awards.

The awards, from the Association of Colleges (AoC), highlight outstanding student achievement across the country. Nishall is one of the three finalists who have been shortlisted for their achievements.

What makes Nishall's personal achievement both remarkable and outstanding is that he achieved a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business for which he was awarded the highest possible result – triple starred Distinctions, whilst also expending a great deal of time taking an active role in the Harlow College community.
As well as his course and work placement at Simmtronic Lighting Controls, Nishall was a Student Ambassador, Student Governor and an E-Learning Mentor. He is also dedicated to Harlow and its residents and institutions and shows tireless commitment and outstanding service by working as a volunteer with over 20 organisations. This has included:

• Serving on Harlow Youth Council
• Being a Police Youth Ambassador with Harlow Police and works with them on projects including "Love Harlow", and in building community relationships.
• Sitting on the Independent Advisory Group for Harlow Police and helped to author a report and recommendations on tackling anti-social behaviour in Harlow.
• Being actively involved in raising the profile of Hinduism and represents Hindus and young people in the local interfaith forum.
• Being Vice-Chair of the Waterhouse Moor Residents' Association and takes part in a range of neighbourhood initiatives.
• Representing young people on the Harlow Neighbourhood Action Panel

Alongside this, Nishall has mastered social media enthusiastically and is a blogger for a local online newspaper called Yourharlow.com, writing articles targeted at young people that raise the profile of the College, Harlow and good causes.

AoC President John Widdowson, who led the judging panel, said: "This year's nominations for the Student of the Year Awards were of an exceptionally high standard and it is both humbling and heart-warming to see the impact that further education has on the lives of so many of its students.

"Nishall's determination, spirit and motivation are truly inspiring and make him a worthy contender for this national award."

We couldn't be more proud of Nishall and his achievements. The awards will be announced on Wednesday 18 November at a prestigious gala dinner.