15-Year-Old Earns College Degree Alongside Sister In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — When Maya and Jasera Abdurrashid graduated from Essex County College this year, the South Orange residents became the latest siblings to don their mortarboards together at the same ceremony.

But for Maya, the experience was especially unique – she’s only 15.

Unsurprisingly, the younger Abdurrashid had the distinction of being the youngest graduate in this year's alumni class. Both of the sisters earned associate in liberal arts degrees.

Abdurrashid said she got sick while nearing high school, and doctors told her that homeschooling was the best option. Undaunted, her mother, Michelle Abdurrashid – a teacher in New York City – set up a rigorous curriculum for her daughter.

“The academic work at home was intense,” the teen recalled. “It was just as if I was in a traditional high school.”

In the spring of 2021 – amid the coronavirus pandemic – Abdurrashid enrolled at Essex County College, following in the footsteps of her older sister, who had enrolled in the fall of 2020 when all classes were still remote-only.

In a bit of serendipity, Abdurrashid’s previous experience with homeschooling helped her prepare for the transition to college.

“As COVID-19 got better, hybrid classes were available, so I felt comfortable once I started taking some classes on campus,” Abdurrashid said, adding that the college experience has had “a great impact on my academic endeavors.”

Once in a while, the sisters got the chance to bump into each other; they took a couple of classes together. Initially, Jasera Abdurrashid was curious how well her sister would fit in with her older classmates.

“I wasn't sure at first with the age difference of her classmates – but there were no problems,” she said.

Apparently, it worked out well. Abdurrashid didn’t only graduate, she did so with honors. And she’s not done yet.

“This is just the beginning of my educational journey as I plan to go the way to my doctorate,” Abdurrashid said.

That will come soon, according to the sisters’ mother. Both are transferring to the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, where the family has relatives. Maya is looking to “combine her love of art with the business side,” while Jasera will concentrate on game design.

And yes, the two siblings will be rooming together.

The two sisters plan to give back to those in need as they continue their educations. According to Essex County College, they are working with The Treehouse Learning Academy in an effort to “educate all.”

“The education we get from a young age comes to play in our futures,” Abdurrashid said. “It determines the quality of life we will have as adults.”

College President Augustine Boakye praised the Abdurrashid sisters and their inspiring educational careers.

“I am proud of Maya for being our youngest graduate in the class of 2022,” Boakye said. “Jasera is another outstanding student, and I'm confident both will do themselves and Essex County College proud going forward.”

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