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Hiam Abdulahad |
Hiam Abdulahad never stopped
helping others. Not when she was caring for orphans in Baghdad before fleeing
the carnage caused by the war in Iraq. Not when she was volunteering to help
refugees in Syria even though she herself was a refugee. And not when she pitched
in with the International Rescue Committee while still settling into her new
home in Spring Valley.
Today, thanks to the
unwavering support she received when beginning her higher education journey at
Cuyamaca College, Abdulahad has graduated summa cum laude from San Diego State
University with a bachelor’s degree in social work and is now helping others acclimate
to a new life as a case manager for Jewish Family Services.
“Anyone can overcome the
obstacles they may face and earn a degree in this country,” Abdulahad said.
“You can’t give up. But for me, I had so much help from Cuyamaca College, I had
so much support, I had so many people who believed in me. Cuyamaca was the
bridge that brought me to a better future and has allowed me to continue doing
what I can to help.”
Abdulahad is among the nearly
4,000 refugees and immigrant students, many from Iraq and other Middle Eastern
countries, who attend Cuyamaca and Grossmont colleges. Her story has drawn a
growing legion of admirers.
“Academically, she was just
an absolutely outstanding student who was at the top of the class,” said
Cuyamaca College instructor Anita Stirling, who first met Abdulahad in her
introductory social work courses. “But even more than that, she was very
diligent and very determined and very willing to help other students. You won’t
find a more responsible person. All of her peers looked up to her.”