Adrian Ottah, a remarkable 17-year-old African American student, is celebrating a rare and impressive academic achievement this year. Ottah, who attends University High School in Newark, New Jersey, is graduating with both a high school diploma and a college degree, marking a significant milestone in his young life.
Born to Nigerian immigrant parents, Ottah has drawn inspiration from the sacrifices his parents made in moving to the United States. Their determination to provide better opportunities for their children fueled his drive to excel academically.
“My true motivation was my parents, my immigrant parents,” Ottah shared with 11Alive. “I know they didn’t have the opportunity to do this, so when I had the opportunity, I just took it and ran with it.”
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University High School offers a special program that enables a select group of students to take college-level courses taught by college professors. This program provided Ottah with the unique opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. However, balancing high school classes and rigorous college coursework was no easy feat. Ottah often stayed late after school, dedicating countless hours to complete his college assignments.
His dedication and perseverance have paid off spectacularly. Ottah has accumulated enough college credits to be on track to potentially earn a bachelor’s degree by the time he is 19 years old. This accomplishment not only highlights his academic prowess but also underscores the impact of supportive educational programs that nurture and challenge gifted students.
As Ottah prepares to don his cap and gown for both his high school and college graduations, he stands as a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the enduring influence of family support. His story is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when determination meets opportunity.
