Hometown: Asmara, Eritrea
Major: Global Development Studies, Social Justice and Cultural Studies
What are you most proud of from your time at SPU?
Obviously proud to be a first generation student where I was able to get a four-year academic education in fields that I am very passionate about. I came to the U.S. as a refugee, with English being my third language, and I am proud that I was able to navigate the ups and downs of college. One of my humbling and soul-filling times to me were the communal aspects of my time at SPU, which became integral in realizing my calling as well as developing my skills. I was the co-founder and president of African Students Association Club, created to foster safe community for African students on campus as well as a platform where we get to share our cultural heritage with the SPU community. I was also an Early Connections leader on campus for three years — an experience where I got to lead and mentor incoming students of color and make their transition into collage easier. In my senior year, I was part of a social venture project team that planned the creation of an app and a website that would cater to refugees and immigrants to easily find personalized information and resources. This project was very near dear to my heart and I intend to peruse the fruition of the project with my team after college.
What is a fun fact about you?
I love saying “hi” to strangers as “hehe,” because a stranger is a friend you haven’t extended a “hi” yet.
What are some of your career goals?
My career goal is to be part of an organization that fosters community growth and development. Specifically, I would like to work with an organization that invests in our refugee and Immigrant communities and be able to show the world how much value, strength, and wealth these communities hold.
What is a piece of advice you’d like to leave for those still in school?
Ride the wave, get out of your bubble (clique) and experience all diverse aspects of life.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Forever grateful for my SPU community, my friends, staff, and faculty that will forever be family.