A Student’s Success, Fueled by a Setback

Asher Khan faced a setback early on in his NOVA college experience. Life happened to him, and he was not able to continue on his path toward a college degree. But when he finally did return, Khan flipped that setback on its head! He used that bad experience as a catalyst to push himself and really excel in his college career.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background: 
My family immigrated to this country around 2007 (from Bangladesh). I grew up in D.C. most of my life and started at NOVA around the spring of 2018. But after one semester, I wasn’t able to continue due to various reasons.

I came back, I think either 2020 or 2021. I started focusing on school and, since then, I have been gradually completing all my requirements. Currently, I have 45 credits done, so I have one semester left.

What brought you to NOVA?
When I was a senior in high school, I was not really sure how to get started with my higher education. But everyone at NOVA has been very helpful. It has been easy to progress in my learning and academics, and I really appreciate that about NOVA.  

What are you studying at NOVA?
I’m majoring in International Relations, but I’m also working toward my IT certification. I recently completed the Security+ exam in cyber security. It’s like a level certification for IT, and I recently received the certificate for it.

Tell Us About Your Experience at NOVA; i.e., professors you’ve liked and friends you’ve met.
I participated in a few club events.  I have been to IF (International Friends club) a few times. They are very nice people, but lately I have been more focused on my work. 

I work full time but I’m also working toward my associates. So, most of my time I am either studying or working. I work at Best Buy in the Geek Squad as a full-time consultation agent.

What would you tell a student coming to NOVA?
NOVA is very inviting to anyone. You can connect with anyone at NOVA. There are a lot of opportunities besides getting your associates. The campuses are nice to visit and it’s very convenient for someone who is working.

One of the nicer benefits for me personally, is the NOVA credit tran

sfer program. A lot of four-year institutes participate, some of them are UVA and Mason. They are very good schools definitely for anyone who is interested in pursuing a four-year education. NOVA is a great starting option. I am also interested and looking into Mason, UVA, Virginia Tech, George Washington and a few other schools in the area.  

NOVA gives you the opportunity to grow both professionally and academically. NOVA is flexible with how you want to pursue your education, whether full-time, part-time, in class or virtual. There’s a lot of resources available if you are willing to take that first step and see what you need.

I initially struggled to continue my education in 2018. It was a little bit of how I was going to pay for my classes and a few personal things. Since then, although that first semester was a setback, I managed to elevate myself academically, in terms of my GPA. I have been able to give myself opportunities just by focusing on what I want to do at NOVA and seeking out those opportunities. For me, my journey is more about pushing myself to do my best and that’s why I am here.

Where do you see yourself after NOVA or what career pursuits are you exploring?
I’m looking to grow professionally in Cloud security. 

Submitted by:
Kathleen Parkinson, Public Information Officer, KParkinson@nvcc.edu