As if transferring from a small community college to a large university isn’t daunting enough, imagine needing a wheelchair and having a history of incarceration. Mir Aminy initially felt lost and struggled to find his place at Cal State Fullerton.
Then Aminy discovered Project Rebound, a campus program that assists formerly incarcerated individuals in navigating higher education. Project Rebound helped him develop into an involved student and community member, while also giving him a place to be himself.
After successfully completing his bachelor’s degree, Aminy ’19 (B.A. sociology) now works for Project Rebound while pursuing a master’s in counseling. He is on his way to achieving his dream of working with higher education students who face the same challenges he has faced.
“There’s no such thing as a throwaway human being.”
Aminy also mentors undergraduate men on campus and local youth at the Higher Ground Youth & Family Services after-school program in Anaheim. He has been recognized for his extraordinary commitment, selfless service and positive impact on those around him.
“I don’t think there is any such thing as a throwaway human being,” he says. “I know how easy it is to go down that wrong path. Higher education is the key to changing the narrative.”
To learn more about Project Rebound, visit fullerton.edu/rebound.
