The Charger Blog
When Saron Hagos Ӱԭ22 M.S. receives her masterӰԭs degree in civil engineering, her family will be celebrating Commencement with her all the way from their home country of Eritrea. She reflects on the opportunities she has had to share her passion for engineering as well as her culture with the University community.
May 9, 2022
When Saron Hagos Ӱԭ22 M.S. was growing up in Eritrea, a country of six million in Africa, her father, a civil engineer, sometimes brought her and her siblings with him to construction sites. Those trips sparked an interest in civil engineering at an early age, and she has always been impressed by structures and how much effort goes into creating them.
Hagos, who will receive her masterӰԭs degree in civil engineering at Spring Commencement, is excited that her family will be coming from Eritrea nearly 7,000 miles away, to attend the celebration.
ӰԭMy accomplishments are the result of not just my hard work and dedication, but also the emotional and financial support of my entire family,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭThey have supported me from the day I left Eritrea three years ago. It makes me so pleased and grateful that my family will rejoice over my accomplishment, since it is also theirs.Ӱԭ
Hagos describes Eritrea as a small and beautiful country in eastern Africa, explaining that it is a diverse nation where the people are known for their hospitality. As a Charger, she was excited to share her culture with the University community and to learn about other cultures.
"Working as a structural engineer is something IӰԭve always wanted to do."Saron Hagos Ӱԭ22 M.S.
President of the UniversityӰԭs , Hagos helped host events and was involved with a variety of activities at the University. She and her fellow members of the organization welcomed new African students, helping them settle in and offering them support. They also celebrated their culture with the University community as part of the International Festival.
ӰԭParticipating in I-Fest with other international students is one of my favorite recent memories,Ӱԭ said Hagos. ӰԭWe displayed tables with various cultural dishes. It allowed us to share our foods and culture while also learning about the cultures and delicacies of other countries.Ӱԭ
Hagos, who enjoys mathematics and physics, served as a research assistant in the UniversityӰԭs Civil Engineering Department, working with Byungik Chang, Ph.D., P.E., MBA. After Commencement, she plans to work as a structural engineer for in Boston, Massachusetts. After gaining more experience over the next several years, she plans to pursue her doctorate.
ӰԭWorking as a structural engineer is something IӰԭve always wanted to do,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭThe University assisted me in making connections with students and faculty members from various backgrounds and experiences, and that enabled me to expand my knowledge and get more familiar with different experiences and skills.Ӱԭ
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