First three graduates earn degrees, transfer through Learn4ward initiative

Wegdan Abdulrab, associate degree, business: transferring to Wayne State

HFC student Wegdan Abdulrab did not know that she was one of the first students from the College to earn a degree through the Learn4ward initiative.

It feels good to be the first of something," said Abdulrab, of Dearborn. "I hope I inspire people to take advantage of Learn4ward. It's more beneficial than going the traditional route. It's also more cost-efficient."

After graduation with her associate degree in business administration from HFC in the spring, Abdulrab will transfer to Wayne State University, where she will major in business administration with a minor in business management.

"Learn4ward to Wayne State was best for my situation. I was almost done with HFC and wasn't sure if I would be accepted to Wayne State. Through this program, I have guaranteed acceptance into Wayne State," she said. "I'm looking forward to being part of Wayne State's Mike Ilitch School of Business this fall. I've already made my advising appointment. Financially, I'm ready to go. My dad encouraged me to apply to Wayne State. He attended Wayne State, but he didn't graduate. Here's my chance to set a path for myself."

Tuition at HFC "didn't make my pockets hurt"

Born in Yemen, Abdulrab immigrated to the United States with her family in 2010. Abdulrab is the third of five children and the only daughter. She speaks fluent English and Arabic and also speaks conversational Spanish.

Initially, Abdulrab attended Fordson High School, but earned her high school diploma online through Penn Foster in Scottsdale, AZ during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Afterward, she enrolled at HFC.

"I chose to attend HFC because it's the closest school," said Abdulrab. "Many of my friends were going to HFC, so I didn't want to be left out. The cost is good for the amount of classes you can take; it didn't make my pockets hurt."

Enjoying HFC's diverse community

At HFC, Abdulrab has been active in the Muslim Student Association, the Programming Club, and the Teacher Student Committee. She also works as a member of the student support staff at a non-profit organization.

"I help out students who are having family issues that affect their education," she said.

Abdulrab cited HFC accounting instructor Robert Rudnick and HFC English instructors Sarah Pettigrew and Chimere Parker as three teachers at the College who have had a positive influence on her.

"All the professors I had at HFC made sure the students grasped the material. Whenever I reached out for help, they were there for me," said Abdulrab. "The best part of attending HFC has been the diverse community. I'm surrounded by many people I know, and I've built relationships with new people too."

Sharon Moncion, associate degree, business: transferring to U-M Dearborn

HFC student Sharon Moncion was impressed by the level of support she received during her time at the College.

"What made me decide to continue my education at HFC is the support system that has been surrounding me since my first day here," said Moncion. "People like Student Success Navigator Ashlei Chears and University of Michigan-Dearborn transfer specialist Stacey Olson have been a great help. They've inspired me to continue my education and encouraged me to give it my all each semester!"

Moncion also cited HFC accounting instructor Victoria Swiencicki and HFC English instructor Angela Hathikhanavala as highly influential.

"My HFC professors have impacted me in such positive ways!" she said. "Professors Swiencicki and Hathikhanavala are two of the best teachers I've ever had. They inspired me not to be intimidated by the content of their classes and brought out the best in me. They are the greatest!"

"Sharon took two accounting classes with me and excelled in both of them," said Swiencicki. "Sharon had perfect attendance in Introduction to Managerial Accounting and went above and beyond the coursework by completing all of the extra credit offered in the course."

Intrigued by the hard work required to run a business

A lifelong Detroiter, Moncion is the eldest of two. She is an alumna of Detroit Cristo Rey High School. In May, Moncion will graduate from HFC with her associate degree in business administration. Through Learn4ward, she will transfer to UM-Dearborn this fall, where she will major in finance and minor in marketing.

"I had the opportunity to help a family member's business in Mexico," said Moncion. "I saw firsthand all the hard work it takes to run a business. That intrigued me and sparked my interest in learning more about the business world."

Chears informed Moncion about the Learn4ward initiative when they spoke about her plans to transfer after graduating from HFC.

"Ms. Chears mentioned to me the great opportunities of being part of Learn4ward and helped me get more in-depth information about it," recalled Moncion. "I decided to transfer to UM-Dearborn because I've always heard great things about the university. Their Business programs are among the best in the nation."

"I've had the privilege of working with Sharon since her early days at HFC," said Chears. "She consistently demonstrates exceptional preparedness and readiness. I have no doubt that she will excel at UM-Dearborn."

"Feel the support from Day One"

Moncion takes a great deal of pride in being one of the first students to graduate and transfer through the Learn4ward initiative.

"Knowing that makes me feel very proud for accomplishing this goal!" she said. "It feels great!"

"Sharon was a standout English student: She was curious, thoughtful, and kind both in class and in her writing," said Hathikhanavala. "I always looked forward to her contributions. Through her work in my class, I learned a lot about her family and her interests. And while I was hoping she had enough time left at HFC to join our Henry Ford II Honors Program, I'm excited that she has such well-defined plans. She was a perfect fit for the Learn4ward initiative, and UM-Dearborn is lucky to have her!"

Moncion is confident she will do well at UM-Dearborn because of her education at HFC.

"I am grateful for being a student here at HFC. I feel prepared to attend UM-Dearborn, thanks to the many awesome opportunities to build and expand my skills and feel confident about pursuing my dreams and aspirations," she said. "The best part of attending HFC is the awesome support system for students and the welcoming environment! You can also feel the support from day one here at HFC. I am beyond excited to see all my efforts flourish in my professional career!"

Nicholas Stevens, associate degree, business: transferring to Wayne State

HFC student Nicholas Stevens, a lifelong University of Michigan Wolverines fan, decided to become a Warrior instead of a Wolverine.

"Although U-M was my dream school, I ultimately chose Wayne State because they have one of the best schools of business in the state. Also, Wayne State provides more of the 'college experience' with a bigger campus in a downtown area of a major city, and that is intriguing to me," said Stevens, of Flat Rock, whose parents are both Wayne State alumni.

Stevens - the son of HFC Assistant Registrar Shaun Stevens - is one of the first three students to graduate under the Learn4ward initiative.

"I think it's really cool to be one of the first people to graduate with a guaranteed transfer through the Learn4ward initiative. I hope that others will see how it has benefited me and will look into it," said Stevens. "Overall, Learn4ward is a really good path for every student at HFC who is planning to transfer. It makes the transfer process easy and there are plenty of people willing to help you."

Affordability, smaller class sizes, and his dad cemented his decision to attend HFC

The eldest of two, Stevens is an alumnus of Flat Rock Community High School. He will graduate this spring, earning his HFC associate degree in business administration. He will continue working toward his bachelor's degree in business administration at Wayne State.

"I decided to continue my education at HFC because it's close to home, affordable, and teaches classes in the field I want to pursue," said Stevens. "For me, the best part of attending HFC was the smaller class sizes. I received a lot of help from my teachers."

He had another major influence in his decision to attend HFC.

"My dad working at HFC also played a big factor in me choosing to come here. He knows the ins and outs of the system and can help me make smart, informed decisions," he said.

HFC physics and astronomy instructor Jesse Mason is one of Stevens' favorite instructors.

"Nicholas soared above my expectations for the class, embodying the indomitable spirit and clarity of vision of a Hawk with both coursework and special projects like his impressive sky gallery," said Mason.

Utilizing the Learn4ward benefits ensures an even smoother transition to Wayne State

"I choose to go into business because I have always been interested in the business side of things," said Stevens. "There are a lot of opportunities in the business field."

Stevens is ready for Wayne State. He's confident that his time at HFC has prepared him well.

"I took advantage of the different ways to get help and learn more information through open houses, Zoom sessions, attending events at Wayne State, and reaching out to program advisors," he said.

His father is beaming with pride over his son's accomplishments.

"I am very proud and excited for Nicholas as he works toward completing his studies at HFC," said the elder Stevens. "Learn4ward resources have connected him and other students with universities to make the transition as smooth as possible and open up streamlined ways for them to meet their academic and professional goals."