Hakeem Bailey was working in the real world when he decided to return to school to further his education. One of the things that stood out about George Brown College was its Supply Chain and Logistics Management program, which aligned perfectly with his career goals.

“I chose George Brown College because of its location and the diversity of the city. Being in a metropolitan area, I have access to all levels of the supply chain, giving me an up-close view of the industry I want to enter,” he explained.

With a strong soccer background, a desire to compete, and an understanding of the Huskies recent success, Bailey was drawn to join the Men’s Soccer Team.

“As an athlete, I’m always looking to grow and compete at new levels. I’ve always wanted to experience collegiate soccer in Canada, and now I finally have that opportunity,” Bailey said.

In his first season with the team, he transitioned from striker to midfielder, showcasing his size, ball control, and defensive skills. He played in 10 games, starting in nine, and recorded one goal and two assists. His performance didn’t go unnoticed, earning him an OCAA East Division Second-Team All-Star selection.

While he found success on the pitch, the transition back to student life came with its own challenges, after spending time away from academics, adjusting to coursework required effort.

“Coming back to school as a mature student after a few years was an adjustment. But the experience has been positive, and I’ve embraced it with open arms,” he said.

Adapting to a new environment requires developing key skills, and over time, Bailey did just that.

“Time management and organization are crucial when balancing multiple responsibilities,” he said. “There are moments when everything feels overwhelming, but with the right mindset and support from my teammates and coaches, things become much easier.”

Now in his second semester, Bailey continues to push himself both on the field and in the classroom, embracing what it means to be a Husky.

“To me, being a Husky means being resilient, adaptable, and intuitive. It’s about finding the inner strength to be independent while also recognizing that we are part of a larger community, working toward a common goal.”

When asked what advice he would give to mature students returning to school to change their career path, he kept it simple.

“College is about patience and understanding that there will be highs and lows. The key is to stay consistent and focused on achieving your end goal.”

Bailey is currently competing with the Huskies Indoor Soccer Team. He will be back on the pitch on Tuesday, February 25th, at Regionals, looking to help his team secure a spot in the Provincial Championships.