BRANDON, Fla. — This week, Hillsborough Community College (HCC) will witness the graduation of 5,000 students from the class of 2023-2034.

Among them is Musa Islam, a 14-year-old who has earned a college degree before finishing high school.

What You Need To Know

  • Hillsborough Community College (HCC) will witness the graduation of 5,000 students from the class of 2023-2034

  • Musa Islam is a 14-year-old who has earned a college degree before finishing high school

  • Islam finishes high school next year. He did dual enrollment where all his courses were free

  • He’s also following in his grandmother's footsteps. She went to HCC to study radiology

“I loved reading a lot since I was a kid,” said Islam. “I used to read all sorts of books relating to geology and stuff like that.”

The 14-year-old’s passion for reading fueled his academic pursuits and personal growth, making him the youngest graduate of HCC’s 2023-2024 class.

“So I did this degree for about four years," Islam said. "I was actually supposed to do it for two years. But then I realized, you know, I should take a few semesters right in the middle of it. And it made the experience like, a lot more enjoyable. It didn’t feel as much stressful. It didn’t feel as much work."

While being homeschooled, he completed 60 college credits at HCC and earned an associate’s degree in computer science.

“I come from a well-educated family,” said Islam.

According to Islam’s grandmother Samina Siddiqui, as the oldest sibling, he sets a great example for his four younger brothers.

He’s also following in her footsteps. She went to HCC to study radiology.

“I am so proud of him," Siddiqui said. "He did so well in that age. Early age, 14 years of age. I did my associate, I was like in my forties."

Obtaining college credits now makes Islam eligible for more scholarships and he hopes it will pay off financially in the future.

“I feel like it was worth the tradeoff of some of my time. It was like the best investment I’ve ever made in my life in general,” he said.

A proud moment he’ll be able to share with his family members and fellow graduates who walked across the stage with him.

“I’m excited!” he said.

Perhaps the most exciting prospect is the opportunity for students like Islam to excel. He hopes to continue on the computer science track at the University of South Florida.

This year will welcome the bachelor’s in science nursing’s first graduating class. The oldest graduates are 79-year-old Carl Cosio, who has earned a college credit certificate.