When I first arrived at Colgate University in New York state, I was immediately captivated by how beautiful the campus was. The hills, the open spaces, and the scenery made everything feel even more interesting. Since I arrived during the fall, I was lucky enough to experience the campus at one of the most beautiful times of the year. The colorful trees and cool weather made every walk around campus feel special.

However, there was one thing everyone was talking about: the winter at Colgate. Before arriving, I kept hearing about how intense the winters in Hamilton could be. I was both excited and a little worried, but surprisingly, winter became one of my favorite seasons at Colgate. I joined the ski club and I found myself having too much fun to even notice the cold. Skiing gave me the opportunity to enjoy the winter while also trying something new. I also made some amazing friends and discovered other activities, including climbing and playing squash. Looking back, I feel like I have spent my time at Colgate constantly trying new things. I have tried ice skating, skiing, squash, and bowling, and I am excited to continue exploring even more activities. One of my favorite things about Colgate is that it provides the perfect environment to step outside your comfort zone, try something new, and immerse yourself in a welcoming community.

I am planning to major in Computer Science and Economics. Right now, I am taking classes in Economics, Computer Science, and Mathematics, which has been both challenging and exciting. I have been fortunate to have amazing advisors who guide me through my academic journey whenever I encounter difficulties. My professors have also been incredibly supportive and generous with their time. One of my favorite things about academics at Colgate is how accessible the professors are. Whenever I need help, I can attend office hours, ask questions, and receive the support I need. Knowing that there is always someone willing to help makes challenging classes feel much more manageable.

I was also fortunate to be accepted into the Benton Program, which gives selected students the support and funding to pursue projects they are passionate about. After taking courses through the program in the spring, I spent the summer working on the first phase of my Ashinaga Proposal and putting what I had learned into practice for my project, EthioRegTech: A Regulatory Compliance Company for Ethiopia's Financial Sector. One of the highlights of my summer was attending a two-day AI conference in Washington, D.C., where I connected with amazing people, exchanged ideas, and explored innovative projects at an AI summit organized by Amazon Web Services. It was exciting to see how the ideas I had been learning about could be applied in the real world.

Another experience that has been especially meaningful to me is the support I have received from Colgate’s Career Services. Through them, I was able to connect with a Colgate alumnus working in a field related to my interests. I had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what working in that type of career is actually like. It was an amazing experience because it allowed me to look beyond the classroom and gain a better understanding of how my academic interests might connect to my future career. At the same time, I was able to build a meaningful connection with a member of the Colgate community.

So far, my experience at Colgate has been filled with new experiences, great people, and unexpected adventures. I arrived wondering how I would adjust to the cold, but now some of my favorite memories involve skiing through the snow. I came to campus to study, but I have also found opportunities to explore, challenge myself, and become part of a strong community. I am still discovering new things about Colgate and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

From Skiing to Startups: Kebede’s First Year at Colgate University

Tsudoi 2026