Osman Portillo-Bejarano is a High School Senior and will graduate this spring as part of the Class of 2020. 

In a world where it sometimes feels easy to be overwhelmed by the enormous challenges we face, Osman’s dream is for people to overcome the negativity, and respond together as a community. Osman believes in treating people with respect, while accepting that we might not agree on everything. Now, Osman looks forward to attending college and discovering his best self while continuing to build community. 

Reflecting on his time at Student U, Osman remarked, “Student U helped me commit to things and work hard for the things I want.” Now, he hopes his success will make his family proud, acknowledging that they sacrificed so much for him: “I’m hoping to have a feeling of satisfaction with all the work I put in. I hope others will see, and I’m hoping they’ll be proud.”

Here is Osman’s advice to the next generation as he embarks on his next chapter:

“When it rains, it pours. If you’re going to do something, either put in all of your efforts, or don’t try at all.”

Find out where Osman has chosen to go to college on Monday, June 1, at 10:00 am on Facebook Live @StudentUDurham.