Meet OCC 2021 Grads: Tala AlAhmar

Razan Alali"It brings tears to my eyes knowing that I’ll be leaving OCC. I know that I couldn’t have made a better choice than starting here. To all my instructors, administrators, mentors, advisors, counselors and friends, thank you for helping me grow and for preparing me to pursue great endeavors."

- Tala AlAhmar

Major: Associate in Arts
Student Involvement/honors: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholar, 2021 Phi Theta Kappa International President, Michigan Region PTK president, 2020 Outstanding Student Award

Q: What were your biggest accomplishments?

A: Being awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is my biggest accomplishment. For the past three years, I've worked so hard and spent more than 10 hours on campus every day studying, working and getting involved. Receiving this recognition made me feel like all my hard work has paid off and what made it even more special is celebrating with my OCC family and the people who helped me get closer to achieving my dreams.

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: I’m most proud of my Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Despite the lack of socialization, we persevered and conducted two projects that helped better our campus and community.

Q: What type of support did you receive from faculty over the past year?

A: Instructors were understanding and open to working with me when I had an overlap in my schedule. They promoted the College’s services and resources more, such as Counseling and the Academic Support Center, to help struggling students.

Q: What are the next steps for you after leaving OCC?

A: I plan to transfer to the University of Michigan to study International Relations and work toward my goal to become an ambassador for the United Nations.

Q: If you had to pick one thing you’re taking away from your experiences over the past year, what would it be?

A: Involvement can change your college experience. I had an amazing journey at OCC mainly because I was very active and involved with student organizations. This is definitely something I’ll keep pursuing at a four-year institution.

Q: From the lessons you learned in the past year, what advice would you give to future students?

A: Ask for help. People are willing to help you navigate the challenges you’re facing. You’re never alone as long as you have a support system that believes in you and is cheering you on.