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Hadi Kamara, an Alexandria native, has been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, a highly competitive program with an acceptance rate of just 3%. Raised by a single mother from Sierra Leone, Kamara left high school with a GPA of 2.08 but transformed his life by joining the U.S.

Air Force in 2019, serving as a flying crew chief. He emphasized the importance of discipline in the military, stating that it not only impacts personal performance but also the safety of others. While serving, he took online classes at Northern Virginia Community College, known as Nova, where he discovered his passion for learning.

Kamara credits Nova for laying the foundation for his academic success, which led him to transfer to Princeton University, where he is completing his senior year majoring in politics. At Princeton, he is actively involved as a mentor in the student veterans group and the transfer students association, and he interned at the Pentagon working on NATO policy.

His international experiences include studying abroad in Kenya, Australia, and England, which helped him understand global interconnections. Kamara successfully navigated the rigorous Rhodes Scholarship application process, which selects only 32 students from the U.S. each year.

He shared the joyous news with his mother, who had unwavering faith in his abilities. Kamara plans to pursue a master of philosophy in international relations at the University of Oxford, followed by law school.

He aspires to enter policy or public service, encouraging fellow veterans to utilize educational programs that assist servicemembers in attending college. This story highlights Kamara's journey of resilience and dedication, serving as an inspiration that dreams are achievable at any stage of life.

According to NBC4 Washington, Kamara's achievement not only honors his personal journey but also uplifts the community of Alexandria, showcasing the profound impact of education and mentorship.