For sophomore Hemam Kassahun, her aspirations in her newfound home of Chicago tie directly back to her home country of Ethiopia.
The computer science major is passionate about technology and innovation, and eager to enter the software development field. Long-term, though, her dream is to become an entrepreneur with a focus on investing in Ethiopia.
“I am particularly passionate about the education sector,” she said, “and envision creating initiatives that improve educational access and quality. Additionally, I have a strong desire to give back to my community by fostering connections and supporting local development. My goal is to merge my technical expertise with a commitment to social impact, enhancing opportunities for future generations in Ethiopia.”
DePaul is just one step on that journey, albeit a crucial one. Receiving the CME Group Foundation Scholarship is another. It places Kassahun at the intersection of technology and business — two sectors she considers “crucial for my aspirations as an entrepreneur.”
For now, though, Kassahun said, her focus is on Chicago: on taking advantage of all DePaul has to offer.
“Receiving this scholarship has been profoundly meaningful, especially as an international student adjusting to life in Chicago,” she said. “It has provided me with the financial stability to fully engage in my academic and extracurricular pursuits at DePaul University. This support has allowed me to participate in advanced software development courses and engage in valuable networking opportunities.”
When asked about the advice she would give students pursuing similar opportunities, Kassahun returned to her own journey. In particular, she came back to the importance of telling her story.
“Be genuinely transparent and honest in your application,” she said. “Share your personal journey and aspirations in a way that reflects your unique experiences and values. For me, coming from Addis Ababa and transitioning to college life in Chicago has been a transformative journey, and articulating this in my application essays has been crucial.” Kassahun offered some concrete advice for future CME Group scholars: “Highlight how the scholarship will specifically impact your goals and allow you to contribute meaningfully to your community. Authenticity and a clear vision of how you plan to use the scholarship to achieve your objectives will make your application stand out.”
This story is part of a series on four DePaul students who earned a prestigious, $20,000 scholarship from the CME Group Foundation. Read the other scholars' stories here.