A former student of Uxbridge College has finished a busy first term at university after winning a £12,000 scholarship, becoming a Microsoft ambassador, being selected as course representative and continuing to run his own business.
Amin Islam (19), of Hillingdon, who took A-levels in business studies, IT and politics at the College based in Park Road, Uxbridge, started his BSc in information systems at the University of Westminster in the autumn.
He is one of just 29 students in the whole of the UK chosen to become a Microsoft Student Partner, and has now set up a Microsoft Society at Uxbridge College.
Under the scheme, promising IT students are chosen to act as ambassadors for the company - and benefit by getting mentoring from experienced staff at Microsoft, and thousands of pounds worth of free software.
Amin, who has been given several grants from other organisations in addition to winning the £12,000 scholarship, says he also wants to spread the word about funding opportunities available for degree level study.
He said: "Students get put off by tuition fees but there is so much out there in the way of bursaries and scholarships but people just don't know about them."
Amin also runs his own internet computer company, ICP Systems, and has been chosen as course representative at University.
He is also a student ambassador for his university, giving talks to college students, and a member of several IT and Computing organisations.
He said: "It's quite a lot to do but I enjoy what I do - and when you enjoy something you do it better.
"Uxbridge College deserves 100%. The amount of support I got was amazing. Going to Uxbridge College was one of the good decisions I made in my life. It's one of the best places to study and has great facilities."
Dr Darrell De Souza, Director of 14-19 Strategy at the College in Park Road, Uxbridge, said: "Amin really is one of our stars and it is great to have him back giving inspiration to other students. He is a really talented individual who has proved that hard work and commitment mean you can really make the most of your opportunities. Well done."
Amin hopes to work for Microsoft once he has finished his degree.