Amar Moturu is not your typical Lone Star College (LSC) graduate. While still a student at Cy-Fair High School, Amar received his associate of science degree at the LSC-University Park commencement ceremony Friday, May 12, at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston.
“When I walked across that stage, I realized that I had achieved something extraordinary,” said Amar. “I set a goal to graduate college before high school. Earning college credit is a very smart thing to do while in high school. This prepares you to finish your degree faster and is more economical.”
Amar began taking college courses the summer before his freshman year and has now graduated from the college with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. Amar rounded out his schedule with as many Advanced Placement classes as he could take with the additional commitments of playing the marimba in marching band and the Houston Youth Symphony.
“I see education as a way to stand out from the pack, but [success] is always up to the individual who decides to put in the effort,” said Amar. “Anybody can become successful with enough effort, and coupled with the right education, there are no limits.”
The Moturu family shares a love of education. However, when Amar approached his parents about beginning college early, they were at first hesitant. Sarada Moturu, Amar’s mother, worried her teenage son was not ready for the challenge.
“Amar’s father and I were worried about Amar taking on extra responsibility,” said Sarada. “We were pleasantly surprised to watch him learn time-management skills and become more independent and self-sufficient. This is the best preparation for Amar to enter a four-year college once he graduates from high school.”
Though Amar has cystic hygroma, a disability which affects his speech and hearing, he has not let any obstacle reduce his pace.
“I’m very lucky to have grown up in a community that can look past my disability, so it has not hindered me much,” said Amar. “If we all focus on our abilities, we can achieve anything we choose.”
Sarada said LSC-University Park’s faculty and staff were instrumental to Amar’s achievements, always encouraging and supporting student success along the way, regardless of age or special needs.
“LSC-University Park is honored to support the educational pursuits of students such as Amar,” said LSC-University Park President Shah Ardalan. “Our passion is for serving all students, and we are proud of Amar’s accomplishments as they are a testament to our mission.”
LSC-University Park provides comprehensive educational opportunities and programs to enrich lives. Any student, whether seeking training certification or a degree path, will find a place at LSC-University Park.
“Our campus continues to be the model innovative college for this community,” said Ardalan. “Our faculty and staff are committed to helping students unlock their potential and fostering community. We work diligently to provide students with the programs and resources that equip them to go far.”
This summer, Amar will work as a paid research intern at Baylor College of Medicine. He plans to take additional college courses during his senior year in Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District before attending a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. In addition, Amar plans to earn a master’s degree.