Rupy Bajwa honored with Kelly Boren Excellence in Equity Award

For many students, college can feel overwhelming before it even begins. Questions about where to start, what classes to take and whether they truly belong can make the process feel uncertain and terrifying. For Rupy Bajwa, helping students navigate those moments and feel a sense of belonging is what matters most.

As an English as a Second Language counselor and general counselor at Yuba College, Bajwa supports a wide range of students, from high school students and recent graduates to transfer students, English language learners and individuals who have relocated from another state or country. Many are the first in their families to attend college. Through one-on-one meetings, she helps students map out their goals, build education plans and connect with the resources they need to succeed.

“I am a counselor and my work really centers around helping students find their path and feel like they belong in college,” Bajwa said.

Her commitment to providing access and creating safe spaces has made a lasting impact across campus. Bajwa has been selected as the recipient of the Yuba College Employee Excellence Awards Kelly Boren Excellence in Equity Award, a recognition that honors individuals who go above and beyond to support equity and create opportunities for all students.

While unexpected, this recognition confirmed that she was doing the right thing.

“Receiving this award truly means a lot to me. It’s very humbling, and I was honestly surprised,” Bajwa said. “I just try to show up every day and do what I can for our students, so being recognized in this way wasn’t something I expected.”
Her approach to counseling is deeply rooted in her values and the example set by those around her.

“I grew up with parents who led by example when it came to standing up for equity and fairness, and this recognition feels like a reflection of those early lessons that shaped how I see and approach my work,” she said. “I’ve also been fortunate to learn from and be inspired by strong role models like Valerie Harris, Kelly Boren, Leticia Gomez and Neena Gill, and I’m grateful to continue building on the foundation they have created.”

At the center of her work are the students she serves, many of whom are balancing multiple responsibilities while trying to stay on track academically.

“What drives my dedication to my work is my students,” she said. “They are carrying so much work, family, language, uncertainty about college, and still finding a way to keep going. That really stayed with me.”

Seeing what her students carry with them each day also brings a clearer understanding of the challenges within her role.

“One of the main challenges is supporting the wide range of student needs while working within limited time, staffing and systemic barriers,” Bajwa said. “Many of our students are balancing work, family, language barriers and other responsibilities while trying to stay on their educational path.”

To meet those challenges, she focuses on flexibility, collaboration and student-centered solutions in order to best help those looking for her support.

“I work through this by staying flexible, listening carefully and focusing on practical, student-centered solutions, while also collaborating with campus and community partners to help reduce barriers whenever possible,” she said.

Despite those challenges, the most meaningful moments come when students begin to see what is possible for themselves.

“My favorite part of my job is working with students who may not always see their full potential yet,” she said. “Watching students gain confidence and realize they belong in college is the most rewarding part of what I do.”

Seeing her students grow, even in small ways, is more than enough to keep her motivated.

“What keeps me inspired is seeing students figure things out and move forward, especially when they weren’t sure they could,” Bajwa said. “Even small steps like getting enrolled, coming back after a break or gaining confidence in the process all feel meaningful because you know it can change their trajectory.”

She also credits her colleagues for helping create an environment where that work can thrive.

“A big part of what makes this work enjoyable is my team,” she said. “I am really fortunate to work with people who are supportive, positive and genuinely committed to students. They make the day-to-day work not only smoother, but also fun, and I feel lucky to be part of such a strong and collaborative group.”

The work Bajwa does goes beyond helping students choose classes or complete forms. It’s about creating a space where they feel seen, supported and capable of succeeding. Many of the students she works with are navigating unfamiliar systems, balancing responsibilities and questioning whether they belong in college at all, and in those moments, her support matters more than anything. Through each conversation,plan and moment of encouragement, she helps students move forward with confidence, shaping not only their path in college, but how they see themselves within it. To this day, Bajwa will continue to help many more students for years to come.