“If you were to tell me 5 years ago I would graduate with an Associate Degree out of high school, I would not believe it. I’m proud I pulled through. I set a schedule and followed through with it. I can’t wait to graduate!” - Nada Elmallaha
Major: Associate in General Studies
OCC Student Involvement/Honors: Dean’s List; Oakland Early College graduate
Q: What were your biggest accomplishments?
A: Making the Dean’s List three semesters while managing both high school and college
classes at the same time was challenging and a big accomplishment.
Q: What kind of support have you received from faculty?
A: History Instructor Anthony Baracco’s coursework was well thought out. He was there
for you if you didn’t understand something and answered emails super quick.
Q: What are the next steps for you after leaving OCC?
A: I plan to attend either Michigan State University or Wayne State University and study
sports communications.
Q: If you had to pick one thing you’re taking away from your experiences at OCC, what
would it be?
A: The overall college experienced at such a young age and amount of support from the
Academic Support Center. The Academic Support Center offered a list of different seminars
we could attend. I took test taking strategies, which helped me out. These different
seminars really help you be a successful student.
Q: What advice would you give future students?
A: I would recommend balancing the easier classes with the harder classes based on the
type of degree you are going for. Some people like to get all the hard classes done
first, but make sure you have a mixture of both so you don’t have to stress out.
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: I would encourage people to attend OCC. Credits at OCC are cheaper than a university
and you get the same amount of work. It’s easy to navigate, and the professors are
very helpful.