2025 PLV Scholarship Winner Fares Nassar on Immigrating from Syria and Rebuilding His Life in Orange County, CA
I am honored to introduce this year’s Patricia Lynn Vermeulen-Tomocik (PLV) Scholarship recipient: Fares Nassar, a remarkable young leader whose integrity, resilience, and unrelenting pursuit of education embody the spirit of this award.
Born and raised in Aleppo, Syria, Fares’s early life was marked by extraordinary challenges. As civil war swept across the country, he endured power outages, water shortages, missile strikes, and the loss of friends to both violence and migration. His family was displaced multiple times, and the world he once knew turned into one of survival and uncertainty. Yet amid the destruction, Fares sought light: through faith, through the hymns of his church choir, and through a deep desire to learn.
Determined not to let circumstances define him, Fares taught himself English online and cultivated a dream of pursuing higher education — one that carried him across continents. When his family immigrated to the United States while he was in high school, he faced a new world full of promise, but also of profound difficulty. Language barriers, social isolation, and being placed in classes that didn’t match his true academic ability could have easily derailed him; but Fares met each setback with tenacity and grace, determined to author his own life.
As a newly arrived immigrant student at Fullerton Union High School, he took summer classes and online courses to make up for lost credits, immersed himself in AP and honors courses, and became a fixture on the principal’s honor roll. His dedication was recognized by teachers and peers alike. Yet Fares didn’t stop at academics — he leaned into leadership, joining clubs and running for student government. He was elected Senior Class Vice President, continuing the community service legacy he had begun in Aleppo.
Fares’s story is also one of profound sacrifice. His parents left behind financial security and successful careers as physicians to give their children a safer future. His family learned to find joy in simplicity, and their love became the foundation of his motivation. “Higher education is more than a goal,” he wrote. “It’s a responsibility.”
Fares plans to start at Cal State Fullerton this fall with a major in Biology and to continue to pursue a path of leadership and service. He dreams of following in his parents’ footsteps by pursuing a career in medicine and supporting the communities that supported him — lifting others with the same compassion and determination that carried him through war, immigration, and reinvention.
I am thrilled to support Fares as he begins this next chapter. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of family, and the beauty of hope.
Fares in His Own Words
What perspectives or values do you feel were shaped by your upbringing in wartime Syria?
Growing up in Syria during wartime was a unique and deeply formative experience. It taught me the irreplaceable value of peace and stability, things often overlooked until they are lost. In the face of constant uncertainty, I found strength in my faith. I felt the presence of God at all times, which gave me a deep sense of protection and trust. I learned to see the glass half full, to recognize blessings in even the darkest moments, and to live with grace and gratitude. In that unpredictable world, family was my anchor. Their unwavering love, unity, and support reminded me that while some forces are beyond our control, we can still move forward with faith and togetherness. The values I carry today: faith, gratitude, resilience, and the power of family — were instilled in me during those early days and continue to shape my perspective on the world.
Speaking from your own experience as a teen immigrant from Syria, what, if anything, surprised you most about life in America?
Coming to America as a teen immigrant from Syria meant stepping into a completely different world. I had moved continents, crossed languages and cultures, and left everything familiar behind. While movies and social media shaped some of my expectations, the reality still held many surprises.
What stood out to me the most was the education system. I was amazed by how advanced, accessible, and full of opportunities it is. There really are no limits, there isn’t a ceiling to your potential. There are countless chances to grow, all supported by a strong support system. Everyone has the opportunity to pursue their goals and dreams. Another surprise was the incredible diversity. I didn’t expect to encounter so many cultures, and I definitely didn’t expect food portions to be that large! This cultural richness has been one of the most eye-opening and rewarding parts of my experience.
What has been the most challenging part of your journey so far, and what helped you get through it?
Nothing comes easy in life. I’ve faced many challenges throughout my journey, and moving here; dealing with culture shock, and adapting to a completely unfamiliar environment was one of the hardest. I left everything behind: my friends, the people I grew up with, and those I shared the best moments of my life with. I had to live in a strange place, attend a school where I knew no one, and adjust to a different language, new people, and unfamiliar customs. Everything felt different.
Having to rebuild what I had already built was incredibly difficult. But I didn’t just want to blend into my new community; I wanted to be a valuable part of it. I believed in my abilities and potential, and I put my trust in God, who has always guided my path. And I conquered. I learned how to step out of my comfort zone and take risks. I realized that risks are better than regrets, and that mindset helped me move forward, adapt, and thrive.
What does giving back mean to you, and how do you hope to contribute to your community in the future?
To me, giving back means offering every part of yourself: your time, effort, care, and attention, without expecting anything in return. It’s one of the purest ways we express our humanity. Giving back isn’t always about money; it’s about showing up with love and the intention to uplift others. That kind of selfless generosity creates a chain reaction, a cycle of kindness that grows and inspires.
Giving back is also a way to honor the people and places that helped shape me. I want to contribute to the very communities that gave me the chance to grow and thrive. In the future, I hope to give back by supporting others on their journeys, not just through service but by helping build strong, connected communities where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered.
What three things does the world need more of?
The world needs more peace, love, and kindness. Peace allows us to live without fear and conflict, creating a foundation where people can grow and thrive. Love connects us deeply, reminding us that we are not alone and that everyone deserves compassion. Kindness is the everyday action that makes love and peace real. Small gestures that can change lives and build stronger communities. Together, these three values have the power to transform the world for the better.
