Roots in Three Soils, an Immigrant's Story of Gratitude, Growth, and Global Impact: Meet Abighail Tekeste
Women's History Month is celebrated annually in March to honor and recognize women's contributions, achievements, and struggles. GlobalMindED is proud to highlight the voices and work of influential women. Meet Abighail Tekeste.
What is your personal story?
Obtaining an education has always been one of the most important values in my family. It is one of the main reasons my family decided to leave everything back home in Eritrea and move to the US. I was born in Eritrea where my family is originally from and we later moved to Kenya where I grew up before moving to Colorado in high school. I've always considered my background and life experiences as a catalyst for my aspirations. Growing up in a regime that obligates all teenagers to join the military, education was quite frankly a luxury we couldn't attain.
Therefore, since my parents didn't get this opportunity, their ultimate desire is for us to avoid facing the same adversities through getting an education in a country that encourages and cherishes it. Because of their sacrifices, I learned for myself the value of obtaining an education and I choose and continue to thrive in the challenges that I face as a first generation student thinking that, if my parents were able to cross an ocean in search of a better life, then I too am able to cross my stage for graduation.
The gratitude I have for my parents and what they've done for my sisters and I continues not only to motivate me in my academics but as well as my future aspirations. Through the experiences that I had growing up in Eritrea and Kenya, and finally migrating to the US, I have encountered so many different people and an accumulation of experiences that gives me an appreciation for how big the world really is and what I want my role in it to be.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
Having immigrated to the US when I was 15, my experiences have played a prominent role in my studies. I know the value of cross-cultural experiences in today’s world and my experience in undergrad has allowed me to be able to articulate and utilize my experiences while also being able to grow my passion more, beyond just learning in a classroom to studying abroad. I never let my background limit me and instead took advantage of every opportunity. I was able to have so many experiences and accomplishments due to the resources available and how I used them to my advantage.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
I have been exposed to different cultures and languages from such a young age that I've grown passionate about maintaining my curiosity for the world and what my role in it is. Since I came here, I have learned Spanish and had the opportunity to study abroad in Mexico, which only fed my 'addiction' to wanting to learn more about the world through traveling. The experiences that I’ve had growing up in three different countries and studying abroad in another one have contributed to my passion for working in the international sector, specifically in international organizations. Having been through the immigration process up until I was 15 made me more conscious of the realities that immigrants face. No one wants to be displaced from their home or be a refugee in an unknown place with your language unspoken. I want to use the education I've received to fuel my passion for working with such communities through International Development.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
Through relevant connections with mentors/mentees as well as inspiring stories through newsletters!
