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. She is currently receiving scholarships from the Bergen Community College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that provides scholarships to Bergen students.

Sidahmed has excelled in Bergen’s computer science program through introductory courses that allowed her to gain fundamental knowledge in coding and develop projects in C++. She also participated in the STEM Student Scholar Program (3SP). Through 3SP, Sidahmed interned at NYU Langone Health, providing her resources to conduct research, develop skills and gain insights into potential career paths.

Aside from her studies, Sidahmed is the vice president of service in Bergen’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society. “Through the service events that I organize, I connect with many different individuals who bring out different sides of me,” said Sidahmed. 

Attributing her leadership skills and success to Bergen PTK advisors Anna Gergen and professor Lisa Mayer, she said, “Their continuous support of my ideas, their positive affirmations, and their genuine desire to help me succeed in my role motivates me to be the best leader I can be.”

Sidahmed also gained support and leadership skills from her mathematics professor Rachel Wieland. Her learning experience came from a time that she went to her professor about her fear of failing an exam. Wieland listened, empathized, and gave her practical steps to excel in the class.

“Time and time again, she has shown up for her students and has prioritized learning over grades,” she said. “Due to her guidance, I was able to succeed in the class and shape the kind of leader I would like to be.”

“The people I surround myself with at Bergen Community College have significantly impacted my success on campus,” she said.

Sidahmed expects to graduate in 2025.

Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 13,000 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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