While most high school seniors are focused on graduation, 18-year-old Ali Alhubishi had bigger plans, becoming a licensed real estate professional.

This spring, Alhubishi became the youngest student on record at RCC to complete the Real Estate Provisional Broker Program and pass the NC Real Estate Commission’s state licensing exam. He is now officially a licensed Provisional Real Estate Broker.

“I wanted more than just a high school diploma, I wanted a head start in life,” said Alhubishi in a press release. “Real estate was something I’d always been passionate about. When I found out that I could take the class at RCC, I didn’t wait.”

Alhubishi graduated a semester early from Lumberton Sr. High School. On the final day of his senior year at Lumberton High School, Alhubishi asked a teacher about local real estate courses and learned that enrollment for RCC’s Workforce Development & Continuing Education program was closing that very same day. He enrolled immediately, taking a leap of faith that soon paid off.

At just 17 years old, Alhubishi began the class. Two weeks later, he graduated high school early and dedicated himself fully to the rigorous course. 

“Time management was the key to success,” he said in a press release. “It wasn’t always easy balancing school and college-level work, but I treated this course like an investment in my future.”

Alhubishi credits his parents for their support, as well as his RCC instructor, a licensed real estate broker, who made the class a dynamic, real-world learning experience. His instructor, Ms. Erica Lockhart, praised his determination in a press release stating: “Successfully completing the real estate pre-licensing course is no small feat. Ali’s determination and work ethic are truly commendable.”

By April 2025, Alhubishi passed the class exam, qualifying him for the state test. The following month, shortly after turning 18, he passed the licensing exam and officially earned his broker license.

Though proud of being the youngest to achieve this milestone at RCC, Alhubishi says success is about mindset, not age. He’s now focused on gaining field experience, working under a licensed broker and eventually starting his own real estate firm. He also plans to pursue a general contractor license, a South Carolina real estate license and invest in properties nationwide.

Robeson Community College’s Real Estate Provisional Broker Program equips students with the skills to pass the NC licensing exam and begin careers in real estate. Offered through RCC’s Workforce Development & Continuing Education, the program provides affordable, flexible opportunities for students of all ages.