Each Wednesday we are sharing the stories of outstanding students who began their college education while still in high school. Today we introduce you to Suhaib Fakhr.
Suhaib Fakhr is about to complete two significant academic milestones. He's a 17-year-old high school and college student who will receive his high school diploma and first college degree in a couple of months. Fakhr began taking classes on the Onondaga Community College campus as a 10th grader at the Ihsan School of Excellence in Syracuse. "I felt like I jumped from middle school to college! I had to grow up quickly. I'm the oldest in my family so I always had a sense of responsibility. I really needed to put myself together and focus on my time management."
Fakhr came to college as a participant in the Early OCC program. It provides high school students the opportunity to take OCC courses on campus during their regular school day. Students receive a tuition waiver and are only required to pay for their books and associated course fees. Through the Early OCC program, students are able to begin earning college credits on a pathway toward their desired degree.
Fakhr chose the Mathematics & Science degree program and made an instant connection in his very first semester with Biology Professor Gwen Wehbe. "I really enjoyed my time in her class. She sparked my interest in Biology with the way she explained certain concepts and topics. It made me very interested."
As Fakhr has continued to succeed at OCC, students at the Ihsan School of Excellence have kept track of his progress. He's often counseled students there on how they can follow in his footsteps. "Because the school is so small it's more like a family. They are all very aware of where I am, what I do, and the path you take when you start taking classes here. Some of them get nervous just like I was and I tell them, 'it's okay to be nervous. You just let the nervousness drive you in a good way, not a bad way because it can affect you in both ways. It's up to you what way it drives you.'"
Fakhr is taking 19 credits in his final semester. He's already been accepted to Syracuse University where he will begin taking classes in the fall as he pursues a career in medicine. "I want to help people in the world and the medical field is where you can do that the most. It's such a big field. You can help with the brain or the heart or the back. It's such a big world."
His cousin, Ahmed Fakhr, graduated from the Ihsan School of Excellence and OCC in 2023. He also transferred to Syracuse University and will be graduating this May. He is also pursuing a career in medicine.
