College : UC Berkeley Career : Aerospace engineer

About Adieb : Adieb Wahbeh does not want his success story to focus on the severe health problems he has had to overcome . But he also acknowledges that his 61 surgeries and missing all of second grade and nearly half of his sophomore year have molded him . He learned the importance of asking his teachers questions and that he would have to work extra hard . Because school was not always easy , he believes he is better prepared for the rigors of college and his chosen field , aerospace engineering .

Adieb was born with hydrocephalus and other conditions that launched a series of surgeries at Valley Children ' s Hospital , including some as recent as two years ago . That year , he still passed the AP test for world history , thanks to his determination and supportive teachers . Adieb was highly engaged at Bullard , even serving as secretary for the Armenian Club . His favorite undertaking , however , was to serve as a crossing guard at Gibson Elementary School in the mornings during his senior year . He loved seeing his regular “ customers ” every morning . Adieb said , “ Getting those kids across safely was really important to me .”

In Adieb ’ s words : “ No matter what limitations you might be born with , as long as you have the motivation and the grit , you ’ ll succeed .”

From Whitney Godfirnon , head counselor at Bullard High School : “ Adieb is a lifelong learner . He supports his community and his school . His goal is to work for NASA as an aerospace engineer , and he has pushed himself through adversity to meet that goal .”

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