Abu-Bakr Zafar faces more challenges than your average college student.

This twenty-one-year-old chemistry major from Tallahassee was diagnosed with leukemia at age six.

"I actually stayed in the hospital for almost seven weeks, so it was
tough for a little bit. It was really tough," said Zafar.

Despite battling a rare type of cancer Abu-Bakr is still graduating with
highest honors in May.

Zafar is very modest when speaking about his lifelong battle, but people who know him well, like his brother, say what he's manage to overcome and accomplish is inspiring.

"I'm the older one, but we have sort of reversed roles. He's the younger one, but he's actually my role model," said Zafar's brother.

Through chemotherapy, radiation, and various surgeries, Zafar still
manages to head volunteer organizations and tutor other chemistry students.

"I try to live a normal life as any other student would," he said.

He calls it normal, others call it exceptional. Zafar's already been
accepted to University of Alabama's medical program, which happens to be where he's been treated. Zafar is now in remission.

By Thalia Hayden, WCJB TV-20 News