Julian Hasbun

“Honestly, I didn’t plan on ending up here,” shares Julian Hasbun, pondering his college experience so far. “I grew up in a lot of chaos...trauma, addiction, silence where there should have been safety. Somewhere along the way, I realized that I didn’t want to just survive it, I wanted to use it.”

With his own lived experience as a guiding force, Hasbun, studying Addiction Counseling and Behavioral Health at COCC, is setting out to help others with their own journeys, as they work to reconnect with themselves.

He plans on becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Oregon, and is also aiming to pursue a Qualified Mental Health Associate credential. Hasbun’s goal is to transfer to a university for a bachelor’s degree in either social work or psychology. “I want to be someone who can walk into the hard stuff with people and not flinch. That’s what drew me into this field.”

“Julian is a student of rare caliber — intellectually gifted, reflective and guided by a strong sense of purpose,” shares a faculty member. “He brings warmth and authenticity to his interactions and consistently pushes himself to grow, both academically and personally.”

Among other contributions at COCC, Hasbun was student lead for a grant-funded, student-led initiative focused on promoting harm reduction and wellness among college students through reducing binge drinking behaviors. For his commitment to his studies and community, he was named one of only four COCC students for 2026 All-Oregon Academic Team distinction.

“COCC has been more than a school for me — it’s been a turning point,” he shares. “I came in hoping to find direction, and instead I found a community that sees me, pushes me and makes space for who I really am. It feels like I’m finally becoming the version of myself I’ve been fighting for.”