This won’t be the first time you’ve heard Jaxson Khan’s name, and chances are, it won’t be the last.
A third-year Global Development Studies student at Huron University College, and already branded one of Canada’s Top 20 Under 20, Khan was recently named a 2014 3M National Student Fellow, one of only 10 in the country.
The fellowship was introduced in 2012 to honour undergraduate students who have demonstrated qualities of outstanding leadership.
“It’s a great recognition of the importance of innovation in education, and also of student voices in education,” Khan said.
“The role students have to play is not just being the end users and consumers of this system – we’re constituents of the educational system. Students have a vital role to play. I think it’s key we have recognition for people who demonstrate leadership. I think, I’ve been able to demonstrate leadership through the Student Voice Initiative, through other initiatives and Canada’s foreign affairs.”
Khan started his postsecondary studies at the Bader International Study Centre in Herstmonceux Castle in the U.K. There, he was elected student council president during his year abroad.
In his second year back at Huron, he was appointed federal affairs commissioner of the University Students’ Council, representing students from Western and the affiliates on Parliament Hill. He helped catalyze the Globe and Mail’s Student Advisory Council.
A leader of the Young Diplomats of Canada, which represents Canada in the International Diplomatic Education Association, Khan co-founded and is chair of the board of Student Voice Initiative, a Canadian movement advocating for student leadership policies across the nation.
He also co-chairs the national AstraZeneca Young Health Program, a global community investment initiative that helps young Canadians in need deal with mental and physical health issues. He has travelled to, and conducted research in, 15 countries, including the U.K., Belgium, Israel, Rwanda and Ethiopia, and represented Canada at the United Nations in New York City as well as the G8 Youth Summit. Khan is an ambassador of One Young World, and a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum.
“My narrative has been all over the place – this, at least, creates a little bit of unity and it draws things together,” he said of the honour.
Up next, Khan is heading on an eight-month stint with Microsoft Canada, where he will work in a project management role. He is coming back to Huron in the winter to finish his studies.
Recipients of the student fellowship receive a $5,000 award. The Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and 3M Canada will honour the fellows at an awards ceremony Wednesday, June 18.