Activities: Teaching assistant; Urban Involvement staff, researcher; Orientation leader; student ambassador to World Relief
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
What was your most impactful class or professor? The most impactful class I took at SPU was anatomy and physiology, taught by Dr. John Douglass. That course reignited my dream of becoming a medical doctor. I’m also incredibly grateful to my faculty advisor, Dr. Cindy Dong, who consistently supported me, especially when I was balancing the demands of nursing school with taking pre-med prerequisite classes.
What are you excited for in your future career? In my future career, I’m excited to serve patients at their most vulnerable moments. As a future nurse, and one day a physician, I look forward to delivering compassionate care that treats the whole person. I want to carry the holistic, patient-centered approach of nursing into the field of medicine.
What advice do you have for incoming students? For incoming students, I advise that they focus on aligning how their time and energy is spent in college, with what kind of person they want to become. I also want to leave a reminder that college is more than classes and exams; it is a time to lay the foundation for your spiritual growth.
How have you grown during your time at SPU? During my time at SPU, I’ve learned to take ownership of my journey. I’ve realized that I am responsible for shaping my path, rather than waiting for things to happen their own way. As an international student from Ethiopia, I left my home and family to pursue a nursing degree. That journey has required resilience, faith, and purpose. Today, I’m working toward my best self that I want to see in 10 years. Learning about my faith at SPU has helped me grow spiritually and as a person. Above all, I thank my God who gave me a vision to strengthen me and held my hands through each step of my life.