Sarhraoui lightheartedly admits that she originally joined the Black Student Union so she could join the student club’s annual trip to Cedar Point. “Looking back, I’m glad I stayed” she said. “Even if my original plans were superficial.”
Sarhraoui said Copeland trusted her abilities as a leader and encouraged her to pursue a student officer role. Over the next several years — and eventually as the Black Student Union president her senior year — Copeland became a mentor to Sarhraoui who broadened her understanding of what was possible for her future and those of other Black Student Union members.
Sarhraoui said Copeland showed her more compassion, empathy and perspective than anyone else she encountered during high school. She believes that without his guidance, she would not have developed the same drive to pursue opportunities for her future.
“Overall, I’m glad to see Copeland win this accomplishment because he deserves way more recognition for what he has done outside of school,” Sarhraoui said. She added that with his dedication, “he will continue to accomplish more important work within the community.”
Upon receiving the award, Copeland told the gathered high school teachers and counselors from around Southeastern Michigan that one of the most significant aspects of receiving the award was watching and listening to Sarhraoui introduce him.
“It’s amazing seeing the growth,” Copeland said. “This was not happening four years ago. Abrar did not get up in front of people and talk. She didn't talk much at all. She just kind of stayed in the background."
“So, I want to say thank you, and I'm so proud of you,” he added. “This is a really beautiful moment for me, seeing you like this.”
Copeland joked that he feels like he should be a member of WCC’s staff — or at least on the payroll — because “all I do is tell kids WCC is the way to go.”
“I do a lot of work to try and break that stigma of going to community college being a negative thing,” said Copeland, who started extolling the benefits of community college to his three younger siblings, all WCC alumni.
“It's just an amazing place for our kids to get where they need to go and not feel overwhelmed,” he added.