MALLAIG – The Loran Scholars Foundation has announced the 36 newest recipients of the 2023 Loran Award, and included in the list is Burhanuddin Yamani from École Mallaig School.
Out of almost 4,800 applicants from across Canada, Yamani is among four Albertans selected for their exceptional leadership potential, community involvement, and strength of character, according to a March 23 news release.
Yamani feels “exhilarated” grabbing the scholarship, explaining it’s difficult to wrap his head around the fact he made the cut. “The realization did not really happen all at once. It came in bits and pieces as time went along,” he told Lakeland This Week.
He recognizes the “immense” value of the scholarship beyond its financial benefits, expressing his excitement at the opportunities the scholarship will open to help develop both his growth academically and as an individual.
In addition, he’s also excited about the networking opportunities. “That’s the real exciting part,” he said.
He also thanked his parents for their continued support. “Honestly... this is a reflection of their parenting, their ability, and as people,” he said. “I would not be the man I am today if it wasn't for the way my parents brought me up.”
Yamani recalled how his parents took him to the mosque and put him in educational camps when he was younger. When he decided to establish a science club, “a lot of initial supplies... a lot of them were donated by my mother’s pharmacy. She would donate quite a few supplies and that’s what helped me get it started in the beginning,” he recalled.
“What I’m doing is nothing new. It’s just a continuation of what my parents have always done for me,” he said.
Mohammed and Rashida Yamani, Burhanuddin’s parents, also expressed how proud they are of their child. “It was not expected... it took us by surprise,” which means, “we must be doing something right somewhere, right?” said Mohammed, with a laugh.
As the parents of three boys, “We try and support them with everything they want to do or the paths they want to take,” he said. “We just keep laying down the foundation for them to keep building on it.”
Rashida agreed, stating she only wishes to see her children “be successful” in whatever they do.
Both parents share the hope of seeing their children achieve whatever dream they may have in the future, and to be successful in life – not just financially. While their children are free and open of their choices in career, Mohammed said their role as parents is to guide their children, and “if they are going the wrong way [then] we’ll try and steer them back to the right way.”
At the moment, Yamani is looking into studying for a Bachelor of Science and Engineering or Bachelor of Commerce. He plans to connect with counsellors and advisors from the foundation regarding his options for university.
