A Bronx high school teacher has been recognized by the state as the 2019 New York State Teacher of the Year.

Alhassan Susso is an immigrant from Gambia, a country in West Africa where he grew up in poverty. Susso came to the United States when he was 16 years old with an eye disease and was told he'd be blind by the next decade. Today, Susso is not blind - he says he has 20/80 vision in his right eye.

While pursuing a degree in business administration, Susso’s sister fell sick and died four months after being diagnosed with hepatitis B and his grandmother died from a heart attack just 12 hours later.

Following these deaths, Susso decided to change his career path. He says he wanted to empower young immigrants to live meaningful lives as an immigration lawyer, but his pre-law adviser had him choose another path.

Susso ultimately received a degree in education.

Susso serves immigrant youth at the International Community High School where he teaches his students life skills and about overcoming obstacles.

Susso is unable to drive because of his visual impairment. He says his two-hour commute on the train from Poughkeepsie allows him to get work done, and he is able to spend time with his family when he gets home.