Albanian Immigrant Earns Top Medical Scholarship at CCNY

Ramela Xhaho graduated from City College of New York this spring with something rare: a perfect 4.0 GPA, summa cum laude honors, and an unwavering vision to serve the communities she knows best.

Now the Albanian immigrant from Brooklyn has earned a Jonas E. Salk Scholarship, one of only eight awarded annually across all CUNY schools to exceptional future doctors and scientists. The scholarship provides $8,000 over three or four years of medical school.

Xhaho's path wasn't just about perfect grades. As Division of Science Valedictorian, she balanced rigorous biology studies with hands-on experience volunteering at Montefiore Medical Center's Emergency Department, where she shadowed physicians treating diverse patient populations.

"Being an immigrant has influenced my desire to be a physician, as I plan to serve different immigrant communities," Xhaho said. She's currently teaching as an adjunct lecturer in CCNY's Division of Science while preparing for medical school.

Her goals extend beyond the exam room. Xhaho wants to integrate scientific research with patient care, combining laboratory discoveries with real-world healing.

The scholarship itself carries remarkable history. It's named for Dr. Jonas Salk, a 1934 City College graduate who developed the first polio vaccine in 1955. When New York City offered him a tickertape parade, he declined and asked that the money fund scholarships instead.

Why This Inspires

Xhaho's story reflects what's possible when talent meets opportunity. City College ranks number one nationally among selective public colleges for economic mobility, meaning students like her can genuinely transform their circumstances through education.

Her journey from immigrant student to decorated scholar to future physician shows how one person's success creates ripples far beyond themselves. The patients she'll treat, the research she'll conduct, and the communities she'll serve will all benefit from her determination.

CCNY's affordability and excellence created the foundation. Xhaho built everything else through dedication, compassion, and a clear vision of the difference she wants to make.

Now she's following in the footsteps of Dr. Salk himself, ready to serve communities that need her most.