By Sergio Tapia/reporter
Students learned about options available for minority students to help them finance their education and accomplish their goals at the TCC Quality Enhancement Plan conference Sept. 21 on NW Campus.
Abul Rashid, SE computer science adjunct instructor, shared his story about the challenges he faced as his family migrated to the U.S. He worked to overcome racial and financial disadvantages to reach his goals.
“There should be no other goal for us but to aim high and reach the highest level,” he said.
Rashid wanted to get an education but had to figure out how to finance it.
“As a minority, naturally, our parents or grandparents didn’t allocate funds for our education,” he said.
Rashid told students to take advantage of financial aid by searching for scholarships and grants. He also let them know that minority scholarships are available because of endowments designated for minority students to get an education.
While working on doctoral studies, his current employer paid over $50,000 through employee benefits and resources available to him.
“Explore your options,” he said. “Don’t let money stop you from aiming high.”
To overcome language barriers, Rashid told students to take ESL and speech courses to help them learn how to express themselves. And with time and practice, their language and writing would improve.
“If you have will, you will be able to succeed,” he said.
