Parents: Getahun Gebru and Teshay Mekuria
Major: Social work
A place for discovery
Hesston College and the influence of my instructors helped me discover who I am and what my dreams are. I have always enjoyed helping people, so studying social work at Hesston was an easy choice. As a social worker, I will be able to influence others to improve their lives.
Fueling a dream
I have a dream to impact the world in a big way. I want to have my own school with a curriculum that teaches students how to think instead of what to think. So much of what is taught in school systems requires students to memorize facts and cuts out opportunities for real-life application. Schools should not generate followers, but thinkers who are creative enough to solve the problems that exist. What people do and study should be driven by curiosity, not by being told exactly what to do.
Much of my dream’s inspiration comes from Hesston’s faculty who care about students’ opinions and try to get us involved. That model of teaching and caring is something I will take with me. At Hesston, I have been taught a lot about people and personalities, which has helped me love and understand people more.
Multicultural experiences
In Ethiopia I attended a French school that focused on applying everything we learned to our own life and society. I decided I wanted to go to another country to finish my schooling and my parents agreed to it, so I attended Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite High School for my last two years of high school. It was there that I first learned about Hesston College when an admissions representative visited the school. He did a great job of explaining what Hesston had to offer. I had a feeling this was where I was supposed to be.
A valuable community
Hesston has given me many opportunities to be involved on campus. I was a resident assistant, a member of the Peace and Service Club, a student ambassador and a First Year Experience scholar. Hesston’s faculty and staff have a special way of showing students they value us and our minds. They give us leadership responsibilities that show us they trust us. Having that kind of support tells students that the faculty and staff see us as adults and individuals. Their trust helps us begin the journey into adulthood in a supportive community.
Ready for a challenge
“When Tsega was hired as an FYE scholar, she immediately identified goals that would push her to develop skills she will need for career pursuits. It impressed me how she chose skills that were difficult instead of just things she was already good at. I can’t wait to see the way she’ll harness her newly developed skills to make a difference beyond Hesston College.” – Marissa King ’05, education instructor and First Year Experience coordinator.
Go everywhere
Next year I plan to attend The King’s College (New York, N.Y.) and major in politics, philosophy and economics. From there I will see what my next steps need to be in order to fulfill my dream.