When Egyptian refugee Hamza Abdulrahman stepped off an airplane at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York with his family in 2016, he didn’t speak English. He also didn’t know how to play basketball or expect to graduate high school – let alone college and graduate school. Nine years later, that’s all changed.
Abdulrahman graduated in May with a master’s degree in business administration from Husson University, after distinguishing himself on the basketball court as an Eagle. His stats tell the sports story, but it’s his personal journey to success that makes him a standout.
Abdulrahman came to the United States as a refugee with his family from Egypt, landing first in New York City before making their way northeast to Concord, New Hampshire.
“When we finally got picked to come to the United States, it was probably the best moment of our lives,” Abdulrahman said.
The family knew little about the country when they arrived. Their first impression was simple: culture shock.
“I never got used to people smiling at me randomly,” Abdulrahman said. “The stores were different. We didn’t have Walmart or stores like those. Everything was just different. The area I grew up in was super positive and the community was very close-knit.”
The family’s goal in coming to America was to build a better life. Once opportunities came Abdulrahman’s way, he made sure to seize them.
“I never thought I would actually finish high school,” Abdulrahman said. “Then when we got the opportunity to go to high school for free, I had to take it.”
In Egypt, middle and high school were common, but not necessarily a path toward long-term goals. In the U.S., Abdulrahman discovered a different philosophy.
“People here go to school to reach goals, to get into college or university, to play the sport they love and build a better life,” he said. “They don’t have to worry as much about street life or where their next meal will come from. The path is clearer. It’s not always easy, but at least there’s a vision and a purpose. That’s why I’m passionate about achieving my goals.”
When it came time to choose a college, Abdulrahman wanted to stay close to home. When a childhood friend from his hometown chose Husson, the decision became easier.
“Mosi [Masimango] and I grew up in the same area and worked in the same place before coming here,” Abdulrahman said. “I asked him where he was going to school and he said, ‘I don’t know. Apply to Husson and I might go there.’ That gave me a boost.”
In addition to being close to a friend, financial aid from Husson made attending college possible. He also described a “connected feeling” when he first visited the campus.
Abdulrahman’s journey didn’t stop there. He found an unexpected route to joining the men’s basketball team.
“I wanted to join the team, but they told me there were no walk-ons because I wasn’t recruited,” Abdulrahman said. “So I decided to talk to the football coach since I had some good film from high school. Right after that meeting, I saw the basketball team playing, so I just decided to jump in. Apparently, I did well because they came up to me and asked if I wanted to play.”
During his time on the team, Abdulrahman made a profound impact through leadership.
He was named a team captain after his sophomore year. Head Coach Warren Caruso praised his influence in the locker room, on the practice court and in the weight room.
“I don’t even call myself a leader, but it’s given to me,” Abdulrahman said. “It means a lot because if I’m seen that way, I want to pass that down –lead them as teammates, as friends or as a brother.”
Though Abdulrahman was part of three conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances during his five years at Husson, he credits Coach Caruso with shaping him as a person.
“The program is perfect,” he said. “The way Coach Caruso runs things is top-notch. In my eyes, he’s the best coach I ever had. His coaching doesn’t just build you as a player, it builds you as a person. I never thought I was a leader, but Coach Caruso always believed in me. My leadership skills grew because of him.”
Abdulrahman appeared in 50 games over five seasons, making eight starts and recording 44 points, 39 rebounds, 11 assists, 14 steals and one block. He was named to the NAC All-Sportsmanship Team in his final season.
After completing the second phase of his internship he is now employed full-time at the Hollywood Casino in Bangor. His long-term dream: to start his own business.