2025 ACE-WIL Student of the Year | University WIL Student, Honourable Mention
Award Winners, Student of the Year |The Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC / Yukon is pleased to announce the recipients of the Co-op/WIL Student of the Year Awards. These awards recognize BC or Yukon students who demonstrate an outstanding level of achievement in their co-operative education or work-integrated learning experience; combined with a strong academic record, volunteer activities, and significant contributions to promoting co-operative education in their school and in the community.
University WIL Student: Jennifer Awan
Vancouver Island University
About Jennifer Awan
Jennifer Awan is a graduate of the Post-Baccalaureate Bachelor of Education program at Vancouver Island University and a mother of four. Before pursuing a career in education, she spent more than a decade working in healthcare, where she developed a deep commitment to public service and supporting others through both challenging and transformative moments.
Jennifer lives and works on the traditional territory of the Pentlatch people and the K’ómoks First Nation, whose community includes the Sathloot, Sasitla, Ieeksen, and Xa’xe peoples. Her commitment to reconciliation involves continually reflecting on her own learning, humbly recognizing that there is always more to understand, and working each day to become more aware so that she can better serve her students and community.
Her path to education has not been a straight one. Balancing motherhood, school, and career required resilience and determination, but it also strengthened her belief in the power of education to shape young lives. Jennifer is known for her ability to connect with children and create engaging, supportive learning environments where students can build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging.
Quote from Jennifer Awan
“Jennifer describes her work-integrated learning experience as a transformative step in her journey to teaching, allowing her to connect her life experiences, commitment to public service, and passion for supporting young learners in meaningful and practical ways.”
