It didn't take Rana Abdel Aziz very long to determine what her career path was going to be.

Not long after graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Sciences degree in Kinesiology from York University, did that career sink in. In fact, it was during that period at York, she claims, that a course in Sign Language caught her attention.

"That first course did it," she said. "Then, working with the Canadian Hearing Society. I just knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life – work with those who can't hear."

And so Aziz, now 24 years of age, said she did the next best thing – sign up for the popular three-year American Sign Language and English Interpreter Program at Toronto's George Brown College.

"I want to help those who can't hear – but also those who don't know Sign Language thereby helping hearing people," said Aziz.

"George Brown was the best place to get that education. I'm an active person. I like people and, to me, it's really something special being able to reach out to help."

Help, in another way, also occurs on the soccer field.

Aziz, whose introduction to soccer came from her father, is passionate about the sport.

Her job, as a member of the Huskies women's team this season, is not to score goals – but to stop opponents from scoring them.

"Mistakes can cost goals and I have made some," she said. "But learning, and playing with teammates, can go a long way. It's also a great deal of fun and exercise."

Aziz is also a graduate of Earl Haig Secondary in North York where she was the team captain in the sport and also won the MVP award.

"After a tough day of studies, a practice or a game can take away lots of stress," she said. "And it also takes the problems of the world off my mind."

She may also be one of the few players in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association who abides by the Muslim dress code for women. Aziz wears a Hijab, a scarf or veil that covers the head and chest.

Aziz, along with her family, came to Canada from Saudi Arabia some 15 years ago. She has Egyptian citizenship and is hoping to launch her career in Canada.

After graduation from York, Aziz was a caseworker with an immigration firm for two years. She has also devoted a great deal of spare time volunteering with a variety of deaf organizations and also at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto.

Source: George Brown College

Photo Credit: Thomas Chung