(PHOENIX, AZ) – Whether driving the dangerous route through Baghdad, Iraq or adapting to a new life in Phoenix, Arizona, brothers Ammar and Mustafa Khaleel have gone to great lengths to obtain an education.
Like many refugees before them, Ammar and Mustafa left their home country to seek a safer environment in the United States, and they wasted no time to establish their roots upon arrival. When they arrived in July 2013, Ammar and Mustafa eagerly registered for English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) classes at Phoenix College.
“Ammar is the smartest one and tested into Level IV ESL, but we started in the same level (Level III) so that we could take classes together,” Mustafa said with a smile. “It wasn’t easy, but we loved the college and knew that we were in the same boat. To some, it may have looked like we had it all figured out, but we didn’t.”
Before arriving in the U.S., the Khaleel brothers managed to obtain their undergraduate degrees in engineering; however, once they arrived in Phoenix, they had to start all over.
“Unfortunately, when we left Iraq, it was so dangerous that we had to leave without getting copies of our degrees,” Ammar added. “We had nothing to show for our hard work, so we had to start from the beginning while learning another language.”
However, the Khaleel brothers took advantage of their new opportunity at Phoenix College. Both took on work-study positions at the college and learned how to navigate the American educational system quickly, receiving not only support from faculty and staff, but also securing scholarships and prestigious awards for their leadership and academic excellence.
“My experience as a student at Phoenix College was very rewarding,” Mustafa said. “So many people believed in me and valued my work. In my work-study position, I was encouraged take chances and move out of my comfort zone. It was truly inspiring because I knew I was a valued student and employee.”
Mustafa and Ammar have come a long way since enrolling in ESL classes in Fall 2013. Both have secured several degrees to add to their list of many accomplishments. For example, Ammar received his Bachelor of Science in Information Management with a specialization in Healthcare Systems.
Additionally, Mustafa is now helping students at Phoenix College create their own paths for success in his role as a Student Services Specialist in Financial Aid Outreach, and Ammar is a Desktop and System Administration – Microsoft Certified Solution Associate at Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.
The Khaleel brothers have certainly achieved a great deal in a short amount of time. To some, their story of success may seem impossible to repeat. However, both Ammar and Mustafa encourage those who find themselves trying to adapt to a new life and learn another language, to work hard and practice English every day.
“It’s normal to get discouraged and be afraid, but you must keep going,” said Ammar. “You must force yourself to move out of your comfort zone.”
For Ammar and Mustafa, they are truly appreciative that Phoenix College opened so many doors for them.
For the past 100 years, many generations of families have benefited from the diverse programs Phoenix College has to offer, and the college welcomes families from all over the world who decide to make Phoenix their home. The ESL program at Phoenix College offers students one of the most diverse language learning programs in Arizona. Our ESL students come from more than 100 different countries, speaking 50 different languages. Additionally, the ESL Program at Phoenix College offers the most variety of classes of any of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District from basic English to Freshman Composition and Research. Students may enroll in ESL classes now by going to www.phoenixcollege.edu/esl or calling (602) 285-7375.
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