A new country means a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh. Everyone has a different reason for leaving their home country. Usually, that reason drastically changes your worldview.
Lakka Benti, a 2017 graduate of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) moved to Minnesota with her family from Ethiopia. This was not an easy choice for her family to make. They had to leave behind their home, family and friends because of government corruption. Like many who seek better education and life for their children, Benti’s family made the daunting move.
The move was not easy for Benti and her family. Their accomplishments and education in Ethiopia do not transfer to America. Her parents worked hard knowing God has a purpose for them. Before Benti started college, her parents knew she was going to make a difference in the world.
Benti saw the spiritual transformation that her sister underwent at UNW. Benti decided to follow in her footsteps and attend UNW in 2013. Benti majored in international relations with an emphasis in public relations.
Attentiveness of the Professors
At UNW the professors care about students’ well-being and education. College is where you learn how to be independent (even when you have no clue how to). UNW students can freely express their academic struggles without feeling judged by their peers or professors.
UNW is a small university with an average undergrad class size of 22 students. The small class size has given professors the time to be attentive to each student. The professors are not only educators, but they are also mentors for many students.
“Take every opportunity! UNW is a small college they have more opportunities than state school with less competition.“
Lakka Benti
Career and Leadership Development
Benti went to the Career and Leadership Development office three times a year to fix her resume.
Career and Leadership Development guide and walk-through a step-by-step process of how to prepare for life after UNW. They looked through resumes and do mock interviews with students. They also connect students with different people and show them where to look for resources. The Career and Leadership Development office also helped students find internships and jobs during and before finishing college.
As a first-generation college student, there is nothing better than making yourself and your parents proud. Benti, “I could proudly tell you that I go to school for myself and my family because they are the reason why I am here.”
Benti continued her education in diplomatic studies to do humanitarian work. Benti is currently working at Alight (formerly American Refugee Committee) as a grant analyst. She loves what she does, and she travels the world with her loved ones. Benti described her experience at UNW as a gift, “my experience has been so great, and it has given me an explanation of all the things we went through. God has a purpose.”
Take the first step toward your future to discovering what God has prepared for you at the University of Northwestern – St Paul.
