Ola Oshaish was born to be a nurse

HFC nursing student Ola Oshaish believes she was born to be a nurse.

“I can’t imagine myself being anything else. I want to help people and comfort them. I like to learn. In nursing, you’re forever learning,” said Oshaish. “It was always my dream to become a nurse. When I first came to the United States, I started to achieve my dream. My dad kept telling me I had magic fingers, because anything I touch heals.”

Born in Yemen, Oshaish immigrated to the U.S. in 2017 and lives in Dearborn. Oshaish – who is fluent in English, Arabic, and American Sign Language – completed high school overseas in her native Yemen. She is enrolled in the Nursing program and will earn her associate degree in nursing from HFC in May.

“I’m a first-generation college student in my family,” she said. “This spring, I’ll become a first-generation nurse.”

Doing good for HFC to return the good HFC has done for her

While at the College, Oshaish has been active in Student Council and the ASL Club. She’s volunteered her time at the Hawks’ Nest and in the Learning Lab.

“The people at HFC – especially (HFC ESL instructor) Stacia Proefrock, who tutored me in the Learning Lab – have always been so supportive of me. I like being in the Learning Lab because it’s helped me a lot. I want to help students the same way. I decided to volunteer at the Hawks’ Nest because I wanted to do something good for the College that has always been good to me,” she said.

"Ola is one of the hardest-working students I've ever met,” said HFC Interim Learning Lab Coordinator Tracie Varitek. “After watching her diligently study and volunteer in the Learning Lab, we consider ourselves lucky to have her officially on the Learning Lab team!"

Pushing herself beyond her comfort zone

Oshaish’s favorite place on campus is the Technology Building, even though she doesn’t have classes there.

“I like to study there because it’s so quiet,” she said. “I like being on the campus, seeing people, talking, laughing. I prefer to take my classes in-person rather than online.”

For HFC Student Activities Associate Kayla Collins, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to watch Oshaish mature during her time at HFC.

“Ola is a motivated, ambitious, and down-to-earth student who is always willing to help others,” said Collins. “She is eager to get involved and continually pushes herself beyond her comfort zone to grow. Her dedication to volunteering at the Hawks’ Nest was pivotal, especially when processing the thousands of donations received during our November 2025 Food Drive Competition. Ola once told me she was born to be a nurse, and I believe that: She has the empathy, integrity, and adaptability needed to excel in healthcare. She understands that success requires hard work and consistently shows determination in pursuing her goals. It has been an honor to watch her grow in confidence and find her voice. I look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish.”

Overcoming obstacles with a positive attitude

In the fall, Oshaish will transfer to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She plans to major in nursing.

“I feel ready. My English wasn’t that good when I first came to the U.S. Thanks to the instruction and support I got at HFC, my English has gotten so much better,” she said. “HFC has been like a mother to me, a mother who supported her child to achieve her dreams. I want HFC to be proud of me, proud of the person I’ve become.”

HFC Director of Student Activities Dr. Cassandra Fluker is very proud of Oshaish.

“I am impressed by Ola’s caring spirit and her drive for self-improvement,” said Fluker. “She consistently pursues learning opportunities at HFC and overcomes obstacles with a positive attitude. Ola has set clear goals for herself and is willing to take on new challenges to help strengthen her success. I admire her resilience and tenacity. She is one of our outstanding students.”