A Young High Schooler Chooses Crafton Hills College

Publish Date: March 6, 2023

“I can wholeheartedly say coming to Crafton was the best decision I made for my educational career and personal development.”

At age sixteen, CHC graduate Amr Bahjri faced the difficult decision of whether to finish high school with his friends or graduate early to take advantage of the free tuition offered through the Promise Program at Crafton Hills College. Knowing that this program was an opportunity worth taking, Amr enrolled at Crafton. He admitted to feeling extremely nervous about being in a classroom with mostly adults, and not having friends on campus tempted him to return to high school and his former classmates. Yet, he wanted to make a positive change in himself while attending Crafton, so Amr joined the Honors Program, became involved in Student Senate, and found employment as a tutor of STEM subjects on campus. Through these programs Amr found confidence once again and felt his passion for school rekindled.

Amr excelled as a student at Crafton and received multiple awards and scholarships, including the Raymond Pryke Memorial Honors Scholarship, Kiwanis Club of Yucaipa Valley Scholarship, Promise Program Student of the Year, Tutoring Center Student of the Year, Presidential Volunteer Service Award, and the Gold Honors Research Fellow Award. Amr says receiving CHC Foundation scholarships was one of his greatest achievements at Crafton and he felt honored for the recognition.

Reflecting on his time as a student at CHC Amr shares, “Crafton is such a welcoming environment, and the administration and faculty are extremely devoted to helping students achieve their dreams. I do not know where I would be without some of the mentors I’ve met throughout my journey here. Wherever you go on campus, someone is always willing to lend a helping hand and make sure your experience is filled with enjoyment.”

Since graduating from Crafton in May 2022 with an Associate in Science transfer degree in Biology, Amr has transferred to University of California Riverside to continue his education. He recommends attending Crafton to people he meets and hopes they will have an enjoyable experience just as he did. Amr states, “I am in debt to everything Crafton has done for my life, and I will find a way to return that favor.” He concludes, “…I knew this was a chance worth taking. I can wholeheartedly say coming to Crafton was the best decision I made for my educational career and personal development.”

For more information on Crafton and its benefits and resources, visit www.craftonhills.edu.