Sharing Knowledge Across Continents

As a young girl in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Aster Endeshaw learned the importance of responsibility. She was taught to care for her family and community and always share her knowledge with others. As she begins her first semester as a student at Minneapolis College studying computer support and network administration, she is already planning to educate people in Ethiopia when she completes her degree. 

Furthering her education seemed out of reach when Endeshaw arrived in Minnesota 13 years ago. Since that time, she has been taking care of her family and household and the financial constraints of going to school were prohibitive. As the pandemic hit, Endeshaw’s two children were busy studying at home. Inspired by their learning, she began researching schools and found Minneapolis College and the Workforce Development Scholarship opportunity.  

“I applied for and was both thankful and excited to be a recipient of the Workforce Development Scholarship,” said Endeshaw who shared how the financial support allowed her to break the financial barrier that prevented her from furthering her education. “Going to school, despite being a busy mom, has taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I encourage other people who might be hesitating to pursue their dreams and embrace the challenge.”

Endeshaw anticipates graduating from Minneapolis College in 2022 after completing her coursework and an internship. “My main goal is to help people,” said Endeshaw who is embracing the challenge of her online coursework. “I look forward to working in my field here in Minnesota and bringing my expertise to Ethiopia.” Endeshaw plans to donate computers to Ethiopia and personally return to her home country to teach what she is learning.