Aiman Lakfifi

Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School

Nominated in 2025

Aiman Lakfifi is from Morocco where he developed a love for soccer at an early age. He started playing soccer with a ball that was made of newspaper and rubber bands due to the extreme poverty of his neighborhood. At 14 years old, he was playing soccer full-time and was offered a semi-professional contract at 18. In his soccer ventures, he adheres to the motto: "Soccer is not just a game. It's life!" He has played on several teams around his country--always putting into practice the principles of perseverance, teamwork, hard work, training, studying, and love. He met his wife online, and after several months of correspondence, he decided to get married and make the move to America.

At NLMAS, he started ESL 4 and 5 classes in the fall of 2024. With his determination and skill, he completed each level with efficiency earning Certificates of Completion. Next, he proceeded onward to high school diploma classes where he excelled in his LA4A, LA4B, LA1A, and LA1B classes earning 4 Extraordinary Student Awards. In addition, he has spoken up for NLMAS on our website video exclaiming how much the school has helped him. On the video, he shared how the teachers in Morocco were demeaning, castigating, and belittling of the students, ultimately, causing him to drop out of school.

With all the negative memories, it was challenging for him to want to return to school. At the urging of his wife, who is currently pursuing a PhD herself, he decided to try classes at NLMAS where he has been happily surprised at the motivational, exciting, and encouraging classes that have infused him with confidence and hope for the future. In addition, he applied for a job in customer relations, interviewed, and earned a part-time job. Recently, he has been promoted to a full-time position with benefits where he continues to use his English and high school diploma skills on a daily basis. His dream is to become a licensed coach through the National Soccer Coaches of America (NSCAA) where he would love to teach children and adults to develop a passion for soccer. Personally, I have witnessed Aiman develop his strong, persuasive, and intellectual voice in his writing and speaking abilities, and I know that the values he lives by will lead him to any aspiration he chooses. It is for all these reasons that I highly recommend Aiman Lakfifi for the OTAN Student Succeed Award.