HFC student Zayneb Ardaini wins 6 awards from MCCPA
HFC student Zayneb Ardaini won six awards at the 47th annual Michigan Community College Press Association (MCCPA) Conference in late March – the most of any members of The Mirror News staff.
This is the highest number of awards The Mirror News, HFC’s student-run newspaper, ever won in a single year. The Mirror News has won a total of 138 awards from the MCCPA. In late April, The Mirror News also won a record 21 awards from the Michigan Press Association (MPA)’s Better Newspaper Contest – including the 2025 “College Newspaper of the Year” in Division 3.
Ardaini has been writing for the newspaper since the Winter 2025 semester. For the 2025-26 academic year, she has served as the news editor.
“I’m very happy for our newspaper,” she said. “I’m happy to have made such an important milestone contribution to The Mirror News. It’s such an incredible place to be and an amazing environment. I love working with my peers. It’s an incredible outlet for so many thoughts and story ideas. Whatever I come up with, (HFC English instructor and The Mirror News faculty advisor) Dr. Peter Kim opens the door for me. My writing has gotten so much better since I’ve joined The Mirror News.”
Plans to transfer to U-M through TB2M
Born in Dallas, TX, Ardaini lives in Belleville and is engaged to fellow HFC student Ziyad Abdulaziz. The eldest of two daughters, her sister Maryam is a dual-enrolled student at HFC and the Lighthouse Connections Academy in Southfield.
Ardaini, who speaks fluent Arabic, attended the Tawheed Center of Detroit School for elementary and middle school. Many of the school's alumni enroll at HFC or the Henry Ford Early College.
A member of the Henry Ford II Honors Program and a recent presenter at the 57th Honors Symposium, Ardaini will earn her associate degree in liberal arts and general education from HFC at the end of 2026.
After graduation, she will transfer to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor through its Transfer Bridges to Michigan (TB2M) partnership with HFC, where she will major in higher education and minor in journalism. She plans to also earn her master’s degree in biology from U-M and wants to eventually work toward a doctorate in higher education.
“Zayneb is an example of how HFC grants students the ability to discover and maximize their academic potential,” said U-M TB2M Senior Transfer Recruitment Coordinator Justin Villanueva. “The TB2M partnership was created for HFC students interested in transferring. From the beginning, Zayneb always had a clear plan for her career. The TB2M community is so proud of Zayneb, and we are so thankful for her example, as well as for our partnership with HFC to work with students like her.”
This summer, Ardaini will participate in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) at U-M, which is funded by the Mellon Research Scholar Fellowship.
“I’m incredibly thrilled to begin my journey with UROP this summer,” said Ardaini. “This internship was presented to me by Dr. Kim, and I didn't think twice before applying! I’m beyond thrilled to explore U-M and its great wonders, not to mention the chance to work with a mentor and research a project of my choice. This will allow me to invest deeper in my academic and general knowledge while attaining new skills. This summer will surely offer me an experience like no other, and I simply cannot wait!”
Enjoyed the academics and broad diversity at HFC
Ardaini spoke about why she chose to begin her college career at HFC.
“HFC has an incredible reputation, and I really have enjoyed the academic experience here,” she said. “I was also attracted to the College’s diversity. For example, it has a high population of Arab students, many of whom are first-generation college students. They’re making their parents proud. So many have gone on to 4-year universities like U-M, working hard to do right by their families. It’s amazing what HFC has offered to these students and their families.”
Besides Kim, other faculty members who have been influential include Honors Program director Chardin Claybourne and HFC English instructor Dr. Sommer Sterud.
“The teachers are very passionate about what they’re teaching. You can tell by the way they teach; they make you want to learn and do the assignments. They’re always there for you. Drs. Kim and Sterud have had a positive impact on me, my writing, and my overall educational journey,” said Ardaini. “Mr. Claybourne has told us, ‘I’m more than just your Honors Program director; I’m here for you as a counselor and mentor.’ Any time I had questions or a problem, he’d make time for me. He’s understanding, polite, and patient.”
Her experiences at HFC led her toward a career in higher education. She would like to teach, particularly at a community college, and write.
“Since she started writing for The Mirror News, Zayneb has challenged herself to cover difficult topics and to engage with the local community,” said Kim. “She has been prolific in her reporting, so for her to have won six awards from the MCCPA is no surprise. I am impressed with each new story she contributes and hope she continues that passion for writing long after she finishes at HFC."