Biochemistry Major
Undergraduate Day
Born and raised in Ethiopia, Semhal Woldeabe ’08 did not plan to attend college in snowy Minnesota. But, when an uncle in the Twin Cities recommended that she consider St. Kate’s, Woldeabe decided to take his advice. “I couldn’t have made a better choice,” she says.
Life as an international student gives Woldeabe a chance to take the best out of two different cultures. “I have friends from different places, and that helps me to learn more about the different cultures around the world,” she explains.
Woldeabe credits various St. Kate’s programs and services with helping ease her transition from Ethiopia to America and college — particularly the Multicultural and International Programs and Services (MIPS) office. “They welcome us and give us information, and they keep on assisting us as we go through the school year,” says Woldeabe, who notes the O’Neill center is also a wonderful academic resource for students.
Living and working on campus has helped Woldeabe learn about campus resources. She has met many people and has made lifelong friends through participating in organizations such as Women of Color and St. Catherine’s International Student Organization.