Local Triumph: Montgomery Siblings Set to Graduate Together from Waubonsee Community College

In May 2024, three siblings from Montgomery, Soad, Mohamad, and Hadeel Ajaj, will graduate from Waubonsee Community College. All first-generation college students, they will each receive an associate degree. Each sibling pursued different academic interests, reflecting their individual career goals.

Soad, the oldest, resumed her studies in business and marketing in fall 2020 after a break, showing her commitment to furthering her education. Mohamad switched his focus from physics to biology and mathematics, adapting his academic goals. Hadeel changed her major from criminal justice to elementary and early childhood education, following her passion for teaching.

The siblings believe that studying together at the same college enhanced their learning experience and strengthened their bond. They supported each other academically and personally, which they found beneficial.

Key to their academic success was the support from Waubonsee’s TRIO/Student Support Services program, led by Andrea Egle. The program offered academic tutoring, cultural events, and financial literacy workshops, helping them as they navigated college without family guidance in higher education.

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