Abdou Basbous

Glenn Adult Program

Nominated in 2025

From Asylee to Aspiring Engineer: A Journey of Perseverance through Adult Education

In 2017, a young man from Syria, Abdou Basbous, arrived in the United States as an asylee, just one week after the death of his father. Leaving behind his mother and everything he knew, he faced the daunting challenge of starting over in a new country without speaking the language. At 22 years old, with only a 9th-grade education due to living with dwarfism and limited educational opportunities in Syria, Abdou’s future was uncertain. Yet, his unwavering determination to pursue education and self-sufficiency propelled him forward.

Even before enrolling in formal classes, Abdou demonstrated remarkable self-discipline and a deep devotion to learning. With limited access to structured education, he took it upon himself to study independently, using online resources and any materials he could find to expand his knowledge. This self-motivation became evident when he joined Glenn County’s Adult Literacy Program, where he received one-on-one tutoring to improve his English skills. Through this support, he discovered the opportunity to earn his High School Equivalency through Success One! Charter Adult High School.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Abdou was relentless in his pursuit of education. He had physical limitations that made daily activities more difficult, yet he never let this hinder his academic goals. Transportation was one of his biggest struggles—without reliable access to a vehicle, he sometimes had to walk long distances to get to school. Recognizing his dedication, school personnel often gave him rides to ensure he could attend classes. When it came time to take the HiSET tests, he was either transported for school personnel or provided with a bus ticket to travel to another city to complete his exams. Although he faced significant language barriers, he pushed through and successfully passed all sections of the HiSET exam. Math, in particular, proved to be his strongest subject—he not only excelled but also achieved the highest HiSET math score ever recorded in our program’s history.

Given his devotion to education, Abdou was recommended by his HSE teacher to enroll in college-level courses, and our school counselor helped him take advantage of the concurrent enrollment opportunity. This allowed him to take college courses at Butte College while completing his High School Equivalency tests. Abdou successfully obtained his High School Equivalency in November 2022 and continued his education at the community college.

At Butte College, although he initially had to enroll in lower-level courses despite his advanced knowledge, his professors quickly recognized his potential. They recommended him for tutoring positions in math, programming, and computer science courses. His dedication led to a supervisory role at the Center for Academic Success at Butte College, and he was invited to serve as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for Physics and Chemistry courses. He then became a Teacher Assistant for his programming professor, supporting other students on their academic journeys.

Beyond Abdou’s academic success, he has made a significant impact on his community. As a leader in student support programs, Abdou has helped countless peers navigate their own educational challenges. His story has inspired others facing barriers to believe in the power of perseverance and adult education. His journey was so inspiring that our school created a video highlighting his success story and the transformative impact of adult education. You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzjF89Rz6LA

Today, Abdou is on track to transfer to Chico State University, where he will be pursuing dual degrees in Computer Engineering and Computer Science. Expected to graduate in 2029, he continues to balance full-time employment with his studies, demonstrating the self-sufficiency made possible through adult education.

Abdou’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative role of adult education in overcoming extraordinary hardship. Despite language barriers, financial struggles, and physical challenges, Abdou has carved a path toward higher education, professional success, and community leadership. His resilience and determination have not only changed his own life but have also enriched the lives of those around him.