Why did you decide to study at CSU?
The main attraction in my decision to study at CSU was Fort Collins. I loved how beautiful and small the city was. I wanted it to be small because I didn’t want to get overwhelmed by the all the changes. But I did get overwhelmed anyway.
Could you tell us about your experience working on campus? What are the benefits of being a student employee?
I work at the Office of International Programs at CSU. I have the amazing opportunity to meet other international students and help them with their transition into CSU and Fort Collins. I also get the chance to work with wonderful community members in Fort Collins that welcome and support international students with open arms. I love that I get to meet people from different aspects of life everyday.
What kinds of things are you involved in on campus?
I am a member of the President’s Multicultural Student Advisory Committee (PMSAC). PMSAC is an advisory committee, to the President and University administrators, who address broad issues of multicultural equity and inclusiveness on campus and in the surrounding community. PMSAC represents all the beautiful and unique identities of students at CSU from all over the world. It focuses on creating and attaining a campus climate that is diversified and inclusive. It is very important to the CSU community.
What are your career goals?
My goal has always been to pursue a career in technology. I have always loved the thrill of finding better and easier solutions to a problem. I want to have the opportunity to maintain and increase the contribution of engineering and mathematics to different fields and new ideas.
What do you miss about your home country?
Ethiopia is a very religious and cultured country. Therefore, holidays are big celebrations centered around religion and culture. Starting from big ceremonies in church either overnight or in the morning to having a big feast for lunch followed by a coffee ceremony that fills the house with the smell of coffee and incense while you get to sit and talk and have fun with family and friends.