AMERICA | 20-year-old, Gatran Gatnoor has emerged as the valedictorian of University of Nebraska–Lincoln, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a remarkable 3.70 grade point average.
With this achievement, Gatran becomes the first person in his family to graduate from a university, a milestone that carries deep personal and family significance.
Gatnoor's Story and How She Did It
Originally from South Sudan, Gatnoor’s parents migrated to the United States in search of better opportunities, eventually building a stable life for their large, close-knit family of eight.
Then, Gatnoor moved to Lincoln in 2018 to begin high school, where he had to adjust to a new environment, build friendships, and find his footing while helping make his family proud.
Reflecting on his journey, Gatnoor shared that if people compared his childhood self to who he is today, they might not believe both versions were the same person.
As expected, life’s transitions forced him to mature quickly, balancing school, sports, work, friendships, and family responsibilities.
His love for sport gave him a major turning point in life. Growing up around older peers and sometimes negative influences, Gatnoor found discipline and direction through athletics.
Basketball, in particular, became his passion and helped him build confidence, teamwork skills, and structure.
During high school at Lincoln Northeast High School, he was heavily involved in leadership and student organizations, including student mediation, leadership programs, student council, equity initiatives, and the National Honor Society, all while playing competitive basketball.
Additionally, his academic excellence earned him honor roll recognition for seven semesters, and he graduated as his high school’s valedictorian.
Gatnoor later continued his athletic journey playing basketball at Hastings College. He explained that being a student-athlete is essentially a full-time job, requiring strict time management to balance practice, workouts, game preparation, and academics.
Friends and teammates describe him as hardworking and driven, someone who earns every success through dedication.
Gatnoor himself credits much of his motivation to his family, who constantly support and believe in him, even during moments when he feels he could do more.
His achievements also carry a bigger purpose. As a first-generation Black scholar and athlete, he hopes his story encourages younger students of color to aim even higher.
When younger students say they want to be like him, Gatran’s response is simple: they should strive to be even better.
Looking ahead, Gatnoor plans to pursue a career as a therapist or school counselor so he can support and inspire young students facing similar challenges, helping them discover their potential and build brighter futures.
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