Nurma Noor Khan is motivated, determined, and a force to be reckoned with, even with having to move countries throughout her life. 

Highline student Nurma Noor Khan was born in Myanmar, better known in the United States as Burma. When she was 10, her family moved to Malaysia for an opportunity at a new life.

Khan attended school in Myanmar, but she was unable to continue her studies in Malaysia. However, during her time in Malaysia, Nurma was driven to continue with her studies despite not being able to attend school. 

“Education is really important to me. As a refugee and immigrant student, my priority is education. I wish everyone could have the same opportunity as me,” Khan said. 

She taught herself, with the support from her parents, and even graduated with a high school diploma from Green River College in 2020. This spring she will be graduating from Highline with a two-year degree as a visual communications major. 

Noor Khan said she plans on continuing to study at Highline for her BAS in integrated design as her next stepping stone in her education. She also said she’d like to continue her studies even further by obtaining her master’s degree after with dreams of becoming an art director. 

Nurma is also heavily involved and engaged on campus. She is part of the Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC) Speaker of the Caucus and is part of multiple volunteer projects while working multiple jobs at the same time. 

The ASHC is the student government or advocacy organization for Highline students. They represent students’ concerns to the college administration and greater campus community.  

Juliette Kern, the associate dean for student life at Highline, says, “I don’t know enough about her obstacles but I do know that she is one of the most motivated humans that I have had the pleasure to meet.” 

Nurma said she hopes to work as a graphic designer one day and finds joy in the career through creating logos. 

“The process is really fun, and I enjoy it a lot,” she said. 

Despite loving her area of study, she’s also suffered some obstacles. Even with facing some hurdles, she remains positive and believes in herself with the work she has already put in so far. 

“[I] struggle[d] in thinking that my designs were not as good as other graphic design students. But my professor Diana always supported me and motivated me,” she said. “I realize[d] that I was only learning about design for one year and I shouldn’t compare myself with people who already knew how to draw since they were kids.” 

Her positivity and motivation are an exceptional part of her personality and an admirable and praiseworthy trait. In spite of not having gone to school for eight years in Malaysia, she is searching for success and she believes in her skills.

“I am proud of myself that I never give up on my education and my future,” she said. “I know what I’ve been dreaming about, and I know what I want, this is the reason why I keep going.”

Nurma has had to make her way through the world with her head held high and determination surging her forward. Regardless of facing many life-changing experiences, she remains driven to accomplish her dreams and her motivation and self-assurance are an inspiration to many who come to meet her.