"Do what others won’t today, so tomorrow you can do what others can’t."
It’s a quote that has resonated with women’s soccer defender/midfielder Iman Bhanji ever since she first heard it. Her dedication to both academics and athletics at George Brown College exemplifies how deeply she has embraced this mindset.
For the past two seasons, Bhanji has been a consistent and reliable presence on the women’s soccer team. Her journey to becoming a central figure at George Brown, however, didn’t begin on the field, it started with finding the right academic program.
“The main reason I decided to attend George Brown is for the extensive education in construction, which is a unique opportunity in Toronto. There weren’t many schools offering a bachelor’s in construction management, which I wanted the option to complete,” Bhanji said.
Currently enrolled in the Construction Technology program, Bhanji is confident it will help her achieve her ultimate career goals.
“I chose this program because I want to build a career in construction management. After gaining work experience in the field through various full-time and part-time roles, my passion for the construction industry grew,” she explained. “Solidifying my desire to pursue this path led me to transition from university to a program that aligns more closely with my career goals.”
Once she set foot on campus and explored the opportunities George Brown offered, both academically and athletically, Bhanji eagerly joined the women’s soccer program.
“At first, the opportunity to play college-level sports never even crossed my mind. But once I saw the team on the Huskies Instagram, joining was an easy decision,” she said. “Soccer has always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, it taught me discipline, built my confidence and has always been a source of fulfillment and challenge for me. I was also drawn to the coaching mentality and was looking forward to leveling-up my game.”
Throughout her two seasons as a Husky, Bhanji has played in 19 outdoor games, starting 18 of them. The team qualified for the playoffs in both seasons, narrowly missing out on advancing to the quarterfinals. She has also competed with the program’s indoor squad and will continue to do so in the new year. This past outdoor season, she served as team captain for several matches, a role she took to heart.
When reflecting on what it means to be a Husky, Bhanji highlighted values that extend beyond the pitch.
“Heart, unity, self-improvement, kindness and yearning,” she explained. “It’s a set of values the women’s soccer team collectively choose to live and play by. Some ways I carry out these values include bringing my best efforts to the team on and off the field, as well as to the Women in Sport club. We try to prioritize building a supportive community, pushing each other to our highest potential, helping others through fundraising and donations, and advocating for women’s sports."
One of the ways Bhanji is making an impact off the field is her position as the President of Women in Sports at George Brown College, a role she is deeply passionate about.
“I got involved with the Women in Sport club because I’m passionate about empowering women in sports and creating more opportunities for female athletes. Through my role as President, I am helping build a community, support the women’s teams we have at GBC, and advocate for gender equity initiatives. I hope to build on my leadership skills and leave the program better than it was before,” she said.
Choosing the right program and school can be overwhelming, especially at a young age. Bhanji encourages students to take advantage of the resources available to them to make informed decisions.
“My advice is to take personal responsibility for your future so you can make decisions you’re proud of. Try to narrow down what would best align with you. Ask lots of questions, try new things, and learn from your role models,” she said. “For example, take advantage of the school’s open house. Connect with potential professors, program coordinators, academic support staff, career services, athletics and recreation departments, and even current and graduated students. Learning what other people like, dislike, and what they wish they knew beforehand will help you develop an informed decision.”
Bhanji’s journey at George Brown College so far showcases her commitment take on challenges head on and in the moment. Whether it’s excelling in a tough program, taking on leadership positions, push for excellence on the pitch or juggling all of those elements. By capitalizing on every opportunity, she is paving the way for a future where she can accomplish what others can’t.
For Bhanji, the quote” "Do what others won’t today, so tomorrow you can do what others can’t,” isn’t just words, it’s a mindset that will continuously drive her.
