Onondaga Community College will celebrate the accomplishments of its December graduates during a ceremony this Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the SRC Arena. Throughout the week we are highlighting students who are completing their degrees this month. Usually, we tell you their stories, but today Karar Abed is sharing his story with you in his words. He moved to the United States from Iraq with his family in 2016. He worked tirelessly to learn the English language and became an outstanding student at East Syracuse Minoa High School on the way to receiving his diploma in June 2023. He earned several college credits while in high school as part of the Early OCC program, and is completing his Mathematics and Science associate degree in just three semesters. He plans to transfer to SUNY-ESF, study Biochemistry, and eventually become a heart surgeon. But first, he will be the Student Speaker at Wednesday's night's ceremony. Below is his story in his words.
"Once upon a time, a family of 5 moved from Iraq to the United States looking for a better tomorrow. My parents spoke very little English. We had a difficult time navigating. We were lost. All my parents ever wanted was for me and my siblings to have a better tomorrow.
I always had a burning passion for helping people but couldn't figure out how to use that passion. When I was in the 7th grade, I struggled. When I entered the 8th grade, I heard a student's future would change in high school. I made an oath to myself that I would keep working hard to deliver that better tomorrow my family had hoped for.
As I started high school, I doubted if I would be able to eventually graduate. I set a goal of learning at least 40 new English and Spanish words a day as well as master my home language (Arabic) that my parents were actively teaching me, along with my high school subjects. I struggled immensely but never gave up. I went from passing my classes to acing my classes to earning awards and certifications.
By 11th grade I was taking college courses in high school. I also entered the New Visions medical program which changed my view of the whole world. I started learning about medicine and realized I wanted a career performing surgery.
I graduated high school in 2023, earning the highest diploma possible. It was a turning point in my life. The accomplishment told me I could do it with my family supporting me every step of the way.
I came to Onondaga Community College one year ago as part of the Lillian Slutzker Honors College which helped me plan the path I am currently on. I became an Honors College Ambassador and spoke with prospective students and their parents about the program. I joined the C-STEP (Collegiate Science and Technology Entry) Program where I met Colleen (Stevens) and Leslie (Reid). They treated me like a son and helped me build my skills. Thanks to C-STEP I was able to do research in the Biology department at SUNY Binghamton as part of the Bridges to Baccalaureate program where I thrived and started writing a new protocol.
This semester I am doing an internship at SUNY Upstate Medical University in the Biochemistry Department where my focus is cancer research. The deeper I dig into these problems and medical occupations, the more questions I have which leads me to discover new worlds beyond our imaginations.
I also volunteer at the V-A Hospital where I continue to assist in the areas of recreational therapy, the emergency room, the psych unit, and escorting patients throughout the hospital.
I am in the process of transferring to SUNY-ESF where I will continue my degree in Biochemistry. My goal is to become a caridothoracic surgeon one day and have a greater understanding of why seemingly healthy people die suddenly.
During my time in America my view of the world has changed completely. I realize a better tomorrow is not a gift we wait for, but a destiny we forge. Through the love we give, the sacrifices we endure, and the hope that fuels our hearts, each step we take today ignites the fire within us to shape a future beyond our wildest dreams."
