Rahel Fetene Kebede

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“I know that the gift of education and the power to change one's destiny are great privileges. Having these privileges by themselves, however, is not enough. Focus, ambition, and dedication for success are necessary.”

  • Program: 2011 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: South Hadley, MA
  • Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Age: 23

Biography

Profile: When new JKC Scholar Rahel Kebede graduated from high school in Ethiopia, she had to work full-time in order to support her family. Unable to go to college even though she had the grades and the potential to pursue college study, Rahel also had to relocate to a rural area where medical services, clean water, and simple technologies such as electricity were a luxury. That was in 2008.  Fast forward just 36 months and Rahel is finally safe and sound in suburban Washington, DC, but only after a period of homelessness.  Rahel eventually found an academic home at Maryland’s Montgomery College, graduating with top honors (3.95 GPA).  Rahel’s is an amazing story of grit, determination, and a desire to succeed.  Her goal is to study biochemistry at prestigious Mount Holyoke College and become a research physician. 

Inspiration:  Rahel said her parents are her mentors. “They taught me that if I am going to do something, then I must do it to the best of my abilities.”

Aspiration:  The native of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is passionate about the natural sciences and hopes to become a research physician.  “With my knowledge of medicine and research, I want to work with international organizations to provide health care and also inspire more women to pursue the study of medicine.”

Making a Difference: As an advisor to Rahel said, “she knows it is possible to address inequality and social stratification from her work with Pathfinder International and other charitable organizations which she volunteers with.”  Rahel has a strong belief in community and the power of shared effort.  In addition she has given hundreds, if not thousands of hours of her time to the Alex Mehret Foundation and as a tutor at a library near her home in Silver Spring, Maryland. On campus she tutors math students at the College’s Learning Center and serves as a supplemental discussion leader for the Math Department. She’s also a Red Cross volunteer and first-aid technician with the Silver Spring Fire Department.

Accolades:  Rahel won the Montgomery College Honors Scholar Award, the Dean's Honor Student Academic Award and was named a Montgomery College Renaissance Scholar.

Interesting Fact:  Rahel has an adopted cat named "Tadlo”.

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