From Farming to Software Development – Kasahun’s Story

EVERYTHING KASAHUN LOVES BEST ABOUT MSD

Kasahun Tehone grew up in a farming culture in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. His dad was a farmer and he and his 4 brothers and sisters all helped on the farm while they were growing up. And here he is in America, pursuing a Master’s degree in Software Development. Let’s hear his story and how he came to study at MIU.

CA: Kasahun, I understand your father was a farmer. What else can you tell us about your parents?

Kasahun: My father was a soldier and he was permanently injured while protecting his country. He went through many struggles but still sent all 8 kids to college and made sure we were cared for, had good attitudes, and became professionals. Both my father and mother taught me to stay strong in times of challenges and motivated me to be a good person and a patriot, and to achieve my dream of a successful career.

CA: How did you hear about MIU?

Kasahun: I heard of MIU while I was an undergrad student at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University in Ethiopia, where I studied Computer Science. MIU is famous in the IT sector in Ethiopia, so I knew that it was the place for me.

CA: Why did you choose the MSD program?

Kasahun: I had three reasons for choosing MSD: 1) the high market demand for JavaScript web developers, 2) the MSD courses are well-organized for targeting the market, and 3) with the tuition refund guarantee I don’t have to worry about what might happen if, for some reason, I can’t find a job within a year of graduating.

CA: Are you concerned about getting a job?

Kasahun: Not really. We are in contact with the recent graduates who are getting good jobs in big corporations, so I am confident, but it’s nice to have that security. It’s a big change to live in a different country, so having the guarantee made it easier to commit to the program.

CA: How do you like the campus?

Kasahun: What I like is the environment, because it’s a green and peaceful area with a diverse community. I like that we don’t have to worry about paying rent or cooking meals, so we can focus on our classes. It’s important that the campus is COVID-free. We are careful to wear masks on campus and in the classroom, and we were all tested when we arrived.

CA: How are your classes?

Kasahun: I like the modular system of offering one subject at a time. It’s better than taking many subjects at the same time because we can go deeper into each part and digest that knowledge, and then progress to the next course.

CA: How is the Transcendental Meditation program working for you?

Kasahun: TM was a new thing for me but I discovered it is valuable for learning. Morning meditation gives me the energy to follow attentively in class, then the afternoon meditation clears up any tiredness in my body and mind and helps me stay alert and focused on my studies at night.

CA: What inspires you most about MIU?

Kasahun: As one who came from a different culture and background, I was happy to find that MIU is a place where you can shape yourself socially, academically, and spiritually while working to accomplish your dream.

CA: Would you recommend this program to your friends?

Kasahun: It’s a great program for anyone who wants to study coding. And for anyone with a professional background who is working an hourly, low-paid job I would tell them they have the potential to change their lives rather than spending it in the same cycle. They should take a chance – come to MIU and create a better future.

Kasahun is currently enrolled in the Masters of Software Development program and will begin applying for JavaScript web developer positions when his courses finish in August 2021. We wish him the best of luck and success in his future career in software development.

This article was written by Christine Albers, Freelance Writer