2003 SfC in the News: Toronto Star (March 13)

SfC In The News


March 2003

Azim's credo: No challenge is too tough

Student overcame own disabilities Now devoted to helping others

by Paul Irish
Toronto Star Staff Report

Azim Lila is a third year York University student majoring in business with a specialization in information technology. He's proud of his success and is looking to the future, but he admits it isn't easy.
Born with a learning disability that impedes information processing, the 22-year-old has had to work harder than most students. At the end of the day, however, he says he's better because of it. "I have to be more focused than other students. I know I have to try just that much harder," says Lila, who came to Canada when he was 9 from his native Tanzania in East Africa. "But in the end, I know my extra effort gives me a bit of an edge." His goal now is to help other disabled students overcome their hardships. "It's hard for a lot of people to overcome physical or developmental problems. ... I know some of the problems first-hand," he says. "When I was at high school, I wrote my tests in a separate room because I needed extra time. My friends would ask me why they didn't see me in the exam room, so I always had some handy excuse. It was really embarrassing." Two years ago, Lila, who also overcame a stutter, founded Support to Learning Disabled Students on campus. The group, which includes professors and students, encourages students with various issues to set and achieve top education goals. "I can see the problems many of these people have and they must realize most of them can be overcome," he says. "So many people just need a bit of guidance and reassurance." Lila also helped set up a $2,400 Ontario Power Generation Scholarship at York for disabled, minority or aboriginal students. The business student overcame his speech disability through therapy, training, diet and exercise. He has since won public speaking competitions and has even taken the stage as a stand-up comic. "I think stand-up comedy could be the ultimate challenge," he says. "You're up there alone and you have to know what you're doing." An earlier challenge was leaving his native land and starting over again in a new country. "It was hard, your friends are gone and you're in this new and different environment," he said. "But Canada is home now and it's a wonderful country. My parents came here for the education and opportunities." Lila has been recognized with the Kiwanis International Award and the Justin Eves Foundation Award for students with learning disabilities.