Born in Syria to Palestinian parents, Tariq spent his early years in Lebanon, where he learned English before moving to the United States and completing high school. Like many students navigating a new country and a new education system, he faced uncertainty about what came next. NOVA became the launching point that allowed him to discover his strengths, pursue his passions, and build a future filled with possibility.

When Tariq enrolled at NOVA, he found not only rigorous academics but also a supportive community that helped him grow personally and professionally. Naturally shy at first, he quickly found himself surrounded by peers and professors who encouraged him and helped him feel at home.

In the classroom, Tariq thrived. He earned two associate degrees, one in Engineering and one in Mathematics, before transferring to George Mason University, where he is now a senior studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. Along the way, he benefited from mentors like Professor Chin, who guided him through calculus, and Professor Vielle, who recognized his potential and encouraged him to compete in SkillsUSA. With their support, Tariq excelled in design competitions and ultimately secured an internship at Fermilab’s quantum computing lab in Chicago, an achievement he calls one of the proudest moments of his academic career.

Throughout his time at NOVA, Tariq juggled long work hours at Panera with a demanding course load. The financial stress, lack of sleep, and limited time made pursuing his goals difficult. Then, a donor-funded scholarship changed everything. It allowed him to leave his job, focus on his studies, and fully embrace opportunities that moved him forward.

“The scholarship changed everything for me,” Tariq shared. “It gave me the space to focus on learning, not on whether I could afford to take a class at a certain time. It made a huge difference in my success.”

Tariq speaks highly of NOVA’s quality, flexibility, and student-focused environment. His advice to students considering a four-year university is clear:“Start at NOVA. The education is excellent, the community is supportive, and the flexibility sets you up for success.”

Today, Tariq is preparing to graduate from George Mason University, carrying forward the strong foundation he built at NOVA. He remains deeply grateful to the donors who helped make his journey possible.

“Support like this doesn’t just help a student, it changes the direction of their entire life,” he said.

Tariq’s story is a powerful reminder that when donors invest in NOVA students, they are investing in future innovators, leaders, and changemakers. For students like Tariq, that support transforms challenges into triumphs.

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