SOS youth receives scholarship to Harvard
Mekidem, 20, has been awarded a full scholarship to Harvard, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree.
He will be joining Harvard's Class of 2017 after successfully completing his IB Diploma with top grades at the SOS Children's Villages International College in Ghana this past June.
In this article, Mekidem shares his childhood memories of growing up in an SOS Children's Village, his scholarship, and his future plans. It has been 12 years since I joined SOS Children’s Village Hawassa. I had great, unforgettable memories in my stay in the village.
The sport tournaments I participated in, the clubs I got involved in, the trips I enjoyed with my friends, the academic hurdles I climbed, the friends and families I made there, the laughter I shared with my brother and sisters, mother, as well as my teachers, the tears I wept when I missed my friends... were among the many experiences I enjoyed as a child.
Tutoring my brothers and sisters every week was among the most rewarding experiences, and I was pleasantly surprised by the creativity they displayed. They became independent at a very young age, and, though difficult, they were reaping the benefits. When I saw them excitedly studying in the classroom, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. I will truly miss my childhood.
The moment I read my acceptance letter from Harvard, I celebrated the news with great joy. However, I also recognized the great responsibility that came with the opportunity. My experience at SOS has taught me that life is not only about the mind but also about the heart, which sparked my passion for studying education studies during my university years. Programs in education, child and family services, and youth development are among the areas I am currently interested in.
I am planning to minor in Education Studies or Psychology at Harvard University. Through this education, I hope to research methods to improve education. I will strive to change the lives of children in poor communities. Furthermore, my studies at Harvard will equip me with the skills and experience necessary to make a difference in my community after my university life. Hopefully, I will return to SOS Children's Villages, where I grew up, to help children shape their character and develop emotional, social and academic competency. With this, I hope they will become active and productive citizens in the future.
Growing up, I also had a great interest in math and sciences. In fact, I participated in several mathematics competitions at our school and in my community.
I was also consistently among the top mathematics students at my school. In university, I want to use my mathematics skills creatively. Moreover, the fact that mathematics can be applied in various fields appeals to me, as it should provide numerous advantages in my future life and career.
I am so grateful to SOS Children's Villages for making my dreams possible. I believe in the motto “Success is a journey, not a destination”. I will be working hard in the years to come.