Trumbull student celebrates Ivy League acceptances; credits his single mother

A Trumbull student is celebrating being accepted to three Ivy League universities, and he credits his mother for all of his achievements. 

Ali and Rita Hassan have been inseparable since Ali was five years old. 

As a single mother, Rita said she always pushed herself to provide her son with enrichment and learning opportunities after noticing how much he loved learning.

“Seeing how passionate he is about the subject that he studies in school and how he has these in-depth conversations with himself and with his teachers.” 

As her family’s sole provider, Rita said she often worked multiple jobs to provide for her and her son; something Ali did not take for granted. 

“It’s really priceless, the support of a parent just wanting you to do your best and put yourself out there,” said Ali. 

Rita added that it has not been easy. 

“Ali and I have been on an incredible journey, but there were times when there weren’t funds available for some of his activities, you know, there’s that saying, you have to borrow from Peter to pay Paul,” Rita explained. 

Taking up his mother’s work ethic, Ali has made the most of every opportunity he’s been offered.

From first grade, he joined Boy Scouts, and as he grew older, he became involved in poetry, played the violin for Connecticut’s Youth Orchestra, and even co-founded a youth leadership group in Trumbull known as SLAM (Students Leaving a Mark). 

“We’ve been able to carry out workshops with students, middle to high school age, who are facing trouble with communication, trouble with leadership skills, and social skills like sitting down and having a conversation,” said Ali.

In addition to his mother, Ali also thanked Connecticut’s Open Choice Program for the chance to attend Trumbull schools since kindergarten, despite him being a Bridgeport resident. 

“I’ve made so many friends throughout the years that I’ve spent at the Trumbull school district, so I’m so grateful for that opportunity.”  

Rita said she is beyond proud of her son’s academic achievements, but beyond that, she is amazed at the young man he has become. 

“He is not the youth that dismisses his mom’s advice as maybe corny, or old fashioned, out of place or even unwelcomed,” she said.

In total, Ali applied to 26 universities; he was accepted to 3 Ivy League schools, 12 other colleges, and wait-listed at 10 other universities. 

While Ali contemplates which school he will go to, he said he plans to become a pediatric surgeon with a minor in history. 

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