Mariam

Howard Community College’s (HCC) first-generation student Mariam Kamran, a computer science major, came to America focused on education. Unfortunately, her family responsibilities occupied all her time.

"My dad had to stay in Afghanistan with my older sister," said Kamran. "While my mom stayed home to care for my younger nine siblings, I was the only one who could work, holding two full-time restaurant jobs, seven days a week."

Over a year later, Kamran's father and sister joined the family in the U.S.

"They came and started working," said Kamran. "I didn't want to waste any more time, so I left one of my jobs to study."

Kamran chose HCC because it offered a flexible learning environment that accommodated her busy lifestyle.

"I am really busy trying to make it," said Kamran. "I am taking classes online because I save 40 minutes in travel time, which is a big achievement, and I am using this time to study."

While learning to speak English, Kamran faced challenges in two classes. However, the academic support she received from tutoring services at the Academic Center for Excellence changed her life.

"The tutoring services helped me gain confidence in my abilities," said Kamran. "The support I received was life-changing, allowing me to improve my English and computer skills and giving me the tools to succeed. It was the encouragement and care from HCC staff that helped me push forward when I felt lost."

It took Kamran about two years to learn how to speak English, and she went from not knowing how to turn on a computer to becoming proficient in computer skills. To cover the cost of tuition, Kamran earned the James Lee Jew Pay It Forward scholarship.

"The scholarship completely covered everything for me," said Kamran. "I learned that everything I needed was available here [at HCC] in terms of getting good advice and solving my financial problems."

In her pursuit of financial independence, Kamran plans to transfer to either the University of Maryland or the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to continue her studies. Her career goal is to become a software engineer. In the meantime, her academic journey has inspired her siblings and community to take advantage of the many benefits of enrolling in community college.

"When I came to Howard Community College, I didn't know English or computers," said Kamran. "Now, all my siblings are coming to this college [HCC] because if I can do it without knowing the language and how to operate a computer, anyone can do it."