Two students to share inspiring stories of change
Today’s world is defined by change, and no one knows this better than Oakland Community
College students. They come from different backgrounds and have unique goals, but
they are united by one purpose – to make a lasting change.
Which is why two students have been selected as OCC's 2026 Commencement speakers,
as they embody this year’s theme: Change Starts with Us. They represent 1,900-plus
graduates who have grown through challenge, and are planning for a brighter future,
while building a foundation for change in their communities.
The ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m. at the Oakland
University Athletics Center O’rena for the 2026 graduates who have earned an associate
degree or certificate in applied science, arts, business administration, general studies
or science.
Meredith Smith: Trading “safe” for soulful
Degree: Associate in Applied Science – Culinary Arts
Meredith Smith
For Meredith Beverly Smith, 36 of Ferndale, the path to the podium was nearly 20 years
in the making, when she began her college journey. But wasn’t ready.
Instead, she dropped out, started a temp job, and used that to work her way up in
the accounting field.
“On paper, it made sense,” she says. “It was safe. It was logical. But there was always
something missing.”
As a child, she had been passionate about cooking: watching the Food Network with
her mom, looking at cookbooks, trying to make her own dishes match the photos, and
making Christmas cookies with her grandparents.
“Deep down, I loved culinary--the creativity, the energy. The feeling of making something
with my hands that brings family, friends and strangers together.”
With the support of the Michigan Reconnect program, Smith enrolled in OCC’s Culinary Studies Institute. Despite the long hours, physical demands and moments of self-doubt, she found her
“love language.” She met chef instructors who inspired her to push further and supported
her along the way.
She powered through the challenges, and in the process deepened her appreciation for
culinary arts and found a new level of confidence. She visited restaurants in Europe
to try new dishes, challenged herself to experiment at home, and hosted parties for
family and friends.
Recently, she helped prepare a dinner for her OCC chef instructors at Oakland Hills
Country Club, where she now works. It was a “full circle moment” demonstrating her
growth from student to professional for the “amazing mentors and all they taught me
over the past two years,” she said.
“I’ve never been happier.”
Future goals: Start an afterschool program in the community, helping kids gain an appreciation
for culinary arts while building valuable skills. Come back to OCC to help her instructors
with their classes. And someday, open her own restaurant.
Words of wisdom for her fellow graduates: “The world doesn’t need more people who play it safe. It needs more people who are
brave enough to follow their dreams. Be proud of yourself. Be proud of the courage
it took to start. Be proud of the strength it took to finish. And never forget what
brought you here in the first place."
Rahma Jaara: The 17-year old leader
Degree: Associate in Applied Health Science
Rahma Jaara
While most 15-year-olds are navigating high school, Rahma Jaara, 17 of Troy, was navigating
a college campus. She wanted to join a dual enrollment program, where she could finish her high school diploma while taking college courses and
learning as much as possible.
“I researched programs around Michigan,” she says. “I wanted to venture beyond a normal
curriculum, and I found Oakland Community College.”
As a dual enrollment student, Jaara was excited—and, hesitant. She initially felt
intimidated by the age gap between her and her peers.
As a natural explorer, Jaara quickly turned that hesitation into leadership.
She found a support network to help with this transition—fellow students, professors,
deans and the Office of Student Engagement. She discovered her community. And they were there for her when the going got tough.
“I had a full high school schedule in the morning, then took night classes at OCC,”
she said. “It was a lot. I was also surrounded by a vibrant community of veterans,
first-time parents, career-changers...they had my back. They opened up my world.”
Her new community encouraged her to take more risks, including when Jaara decided
to run for President of OCC’s Student Government–and won. She pursued other opportunities,
too, including joining OCC’s Peer-Mentoring Program, where she helped to pay it forward, and encouraged other students to get involved
at OCC.
That exposure, combined with her volunteer work at local hospitals, shifted her career
focus from biology to public health—one that her 15-year-old self couldn’t have foreseen.
She even founded “Creativity Cures,” an art therapy-style program at a local hospital,
blending her passion for wellness with her love of art.
“I saw how healthcare affects daily lives, and I had great conversations with my professors
about their education and experiences,” she said. “Because of the foundation OCC has
provided, I had the power to initiate change.”
Future goals: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Public Health with minors in art and Spanish, with an
eye toward health policy or medical school and exploring options that allow her to
make a greater impact.
Words of wisdom for her fellow graduates: “We can be the change we want to see in the world. Because of the foundation OCC
has provided, the power to initiate change resides within us.”
For further information visit OCC Commencement.
About OCC
Oakland Community College offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs with
the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer
institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility
in scheduling. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training
and expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in
the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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