When Meklit Tofu arrived at Walsh University from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she was stepping into a brand-new culture. What she found was a campus community that has shaped her both personally and academically. “Walsh has given me friendships that I will forever cherish. As an international student and being thousands of miles away from home, having close friends and a supportive community to rely on has made all the difference,” she said.
Faith has been at the heart of Meklit’s Walsh experience. “My faith has had the greatest impact on my life during my time at Walsh University. It has shaped the way I view my life and my purpose across multiple dimensions,” she reflected. That foundation has guided her growth in the classroom, in leadership, and in the many relationships she has formed on campus.
One of the first things that drew Meklit to Walsh was the Honors Program. “The Honors program has driven me to do better academically, and it has helped me grow on a personal level. It encourages critical thinking as well as productive time management,” she explained. Initially majoring in Computer Science Programming, she later added Cybersecurity to strengthen her skills for a career in technology. For her Honors thesis, she is creating a cybersecurity awareness website for young adults, a project that will develop her technical expertise while also contributing to a meaningful cause.
Beyond academics, Meklit has found her voice as a leader. She has served as Secretary, Vice President, and now President of the World Student Organization, in addition to roles in the African Student Association, Black Student Union, and even intramural soccer. “During my freshman year, I was a timid girl just trying to adjust to the culture and norms of the country while maintaining good academic status,” she recalled. “Working at the Walsh Help Desk and serving with WSO have been pivotal moments. It has made me more assertive and confident in my abilities by cultivating my leadership and technical skills. It also has confirmed my passion to help and serve people, as it is where the truest and greatest joy is found.”
Meklit hopes to bring that same passion into her future career. She plans to work in the technology sector, combining her programming and cybersecurity expertise. What motivates her most is her faith: “My faith and relationship with God are my primary motivators in life. I believe that God has a purpose for everyone that exists in this world, and true fulfillment in life comes when one’s heart strives to obey God’s purpose.”
To future students, she offers encouragement: “College is the ideal setting to try new things and fail without high risk. It is a perfect place to make long-lasting connections and bonds among communities, and Walsh University would be a great fit because it offers a supportive environment that nurtures students’ needs academically, personally, and socially.”
