For Zeid Awawdeh, Craven Community College became more than a place to earn a degree—it became a place to lead, serve, and discover his purpose.
This May, Zeid graduated from the Craven Early College program with both an associate in science and an associate in arts, while also earning his high school diploma. Along the way, he embraced opportunities that helped shape him into a student leader and advocate for his campus community.
“I chose Craven because of the Early College program,” he explained. “Being able to graduate with both my high school diploma and associate degrees in five years—and take advantage of all the opportunities Craven offered—made it the right choice.”
Zeid plans to attend East Carolina University to study community and regional planning, a field that reflects his passion for building stronger communities and creating meaningful change.
Throughout his time at Craven, Zeid found support from faculty, counselors, and fellow students who encouraged him to grow both academically and personally. He credits his high school counselors with helping guide his path and connect him with opportunities aligned with his future goals.
One of those opportunities came through Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, where Zeid quickly became involved in leadership. Starting as vice president of Scholarship, he later served as chapter president, helping lead projects that made a lasting impact on campus and in the community.
One of the initiatives he’s most proud of is launching a campus composting effort aimed at reducing Craven’s environmental footprint. He also helped organize awareness events focused on addiction recovery and community support, partnering with local organizations to expand their impact beyond the campus.
“The biggest difference for me has been Campus Life,” Zeid said. “Being able to work beside other student leaders and make an impact encouraged me to become SGA president.”
As Student Government Association president and this year’s commencement speaker, Zeid has become a familiar face across campus—but he says his motivation has always come from home. As a first-generation college student, he carries with him the sacrifices his parents made after emigrating from Jordan to the United States in search of better educational opportunities for their children.
“Being handed my associate degrees means making my parents proud, accomplishing what they weren’t able to,” he said.
Representing the Class of 2026 from the graduation stage, Zeid reflected on how much his journey has changed him.
“If you told me as a freshman that I’d be giving the graduation speech, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he said.
His advice to students who may doubt whether college is for them is simple, but powerful:
“Education is something you can never lose.”