Kaleab Beteselassie

What made you decide to attend the University of Maryland?
My decision to enroll at UMD stemmed from many reasons, but some of the main contributing factors were that it was close to home and that I got into the Maryland Promise Program and the Incentive Awards Program. Both of these programs provide positive supporting communities of people I can rely on. The idea of being able to pursue higher education with the knowledge that I always have people who will have my back was an irresistible offer.

What major/career path do you plan on pursuing and how did you select that path?
I plan on pursuing the computer science major at UMD and hope to land a career in software development—a field involving building websites and making apps. I chose this path because ever since I was a kid I’ve been interested in computers, and with the support of my father, I was able to chase my passion and learn more about the world of programming. This made me who I am today.

What clubs, community service, campus activities, or hobbies are you currently involved in or plan to take part in?
During high school I wasn’t able to be as involved as I wanted because of my family’s situation, which required me to take care of my sister after school. However, since enrolling at UMD I’ve joined numerous clubs including the Ethiopian & Eritrean Student Association and the Black Engineers Society. I plan to get even more involved with these organizations as time goes on.

How has receiving this scholarship positively impacted your life?
This scholarship contributes to my full-ride at UMD and allows me to focus solely on my education and career path without having to worry about financial burdens. This opportunity lets my family rest easy knowing that they don’t need to worry about me taking loans out for college.

What are your future goals after graduation?
Some of my future goals after graduation are to land a full-time job at a company I’ve previously interned at and be able to retire my parents. I also plan to keep pursuing my related interests such as 3D printing and game development.