Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College student Waad Sidahmed is studying computer science with the goal to work in the technology industry as a software developer.

“I chose Bergen Community College because of the financial advantage it offered,” said Sidahmed, of Belleville, who expects to graduate in 2025.

Sidahmed has received scholarships from the Bergen Community College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to Bergen students.

“The Bergen Community College Foundation Scholarship has tremendously helped me throughout my time at the College,” she said. “I was awarded the Ciarco Family Endowed Scholarship in my second semester at Bergen, and I feel as grateful now as I did back when I first received the scholarship.”

“The impact that the scholarship had on my family is tremendous because it proved to them that their immigration to the U.S. for a better life was worthwhile,” said Sidahmed.

Sidamed has become intrigued by computer science. “I immensely enjoyed my first coding course at Bergen, because it challenged me to problem-solve in an unfamiliar way,” she said. “As I strengthened my foundation in code, my interest grew, and so did my aspirations for the future.”

At the same time, she has explored her interests in photography and American Sign Language. “Bergen offers many opportunities to explore all kinds of interests, allowing me to creatively grow, and expand my knowledge,” she said.

“My friends at the Cerullo Learning Assistance Center help me succeed in my academic work, whereas my mentors advise me professionally,” said Sidahmed. “Thanks to my support system, I am able to make wise decisions about my future and hold myself accountable in every step of the way.”

Aside from her studies, Sidahmed is the vice president of service in Bergen’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society where she has organized various volunteer events for Bergen students to participate in. “These volunteering opportunities connect with great individuals who share the passion I have for helping others and giving back to the community,” she said.

“The people I surround myself with at Bergen Community College have significantly impacted my success on campus,” she said. “The wonderful support system that I have at Bergen Community College is the drive behind my success.”

Sidahmed believes that many students sacrifice their physical and mental well-being because of the pressure to succeed, family obligations, and increased financial burdens. “On top of being a student and my obligations on campus, I work part-time to provide for myself, and often, I feel overwhelmed,” she said. “I know that many of my peers are in the same boat, so a donation can provide relief and alleviate the weight on our shoulders.”

“Donating to the Foundation will go a long way and foster a meaningful impact on the students at Bergen,” said Sidahmed. “People should donate to Bergen Community College Foundation now more than ever.”

To give today and change tomorrow for students like Sidahmed, visit bergen.edu/donate.

Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 24,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.

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