Our guest today, Kibrom Fisseha Berhe, has graduated with great distinction and given an award for the most outstanding graduate of the 2023/2024 at Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences. Born and raised in Hidug village, Maimine subzone, Debub region, he has proven that nothing great can be accomplished without determination and hard work. Kibrom is now working as a pharmacist at Barentu Hospital.
Congratulations on your success, Kibrom. How does it feel to be given an award for the most outstanding graduate from the whole college?
It’s overwhelming!
Did you expect it?
I did know that I was one of those with high grades in our department, but I didn’t know what to expect. And that’s what made it special.
Tell us about your background.
Unlike other kids in my village, I was able to start schooling at the age of five. My family were farmers, so in addition to studying I had to engage in other activities such as shepherding. When I was studying in elementary and junior schools I was more audacious than clever, but I always was one of the top ten students. When I was in elementary school I had to walk two hours back and forth from the grazing area to school.
When I joined high school, I was stunned by the low grades some of the outstanding students scored in the matriculation exam in Sawa. They scored just enough grades to study for a diploma or certificate in college. So, I made a promise to myself to never be like them, and since then I have been giving my everything to school.
What was life like in Sawa?
I went to Sawa as a member of the 30th round. At the beginning it was a bit tough, but, I soon started to socialize and get used to everything there.
What about college?
I joined college after scoring 3.6 GPA (grade point average). My first year of education in college was really hard for me due to the pressure. My roommates and I were so busy studying that we didn’t have time for anything else. We used to call our Freshman life ‘Fresh without refresh’. Fortunately, our hard work paid off. Though our grades didn’t satisfy us, we were able to survive the first semester. Thanks to the experience we gained, our second semester was much more relaxing and successful. We all ended the year with much higher grades.
Why did you study Pharmacy?
Like most kids I always wanted to be a doctor. The thought of being able to help other people always made me happy. But when, as a grown-up, I came to realize medicine was a vast field, I was a bit confused in deciding the field I would like to specialize in. The confusion lasted until I read a book titled “Medical Sciences” during my Freshman year. The book gives detailed information about each and every Medical field. After I read about pharmacy I fell in love with it and, without any hesitation, decided to study pharmacy.
What’s your key to success?
My parents’ thirst for education for their children, the influence of my two elder brothers who studied Animal Science and Veterinary Science in college, and my ability to manage my time really well. I think my desire to lead a better life was another motivating factor for my success.
As a kid, I used to enjoy and be inspired by the sight of my elder brothers in the village when they came from college for their summer holidays. Since then, I have always dreamt of being like them. If possible even to do much better than them. Though I loved my upbringing and living in the village, I have always wanted to lead a life better than that, and the key was focusing on my studies.
Problems you faced …
There were times when I decided to withdraw from college due to the lack of electronic equipment necessary to access all the reading materials that we were given nonstop. I couldn’t print them all because I didn’t have enough money.
When I told my teacher in high school about it, he bought me a new mobile phone and encouraged me to focus on my studies.
Your future plans…
To serve my people and my country with dedication and in all seriousness. Studying pharmacy requires dedication. So, I would also like to work on my professional development and pursue further studies.
Messages you want to deliver…
No matter who you are you have to believe that everything is possible. You just have to stick to what you have envisioned from the very beginning regardless of the magnitude of the obstacles you might face.
Finally, I want to thank my parents because if they hadn’t planted this desire for education in my heart and looked after it until it became well-rooted, I am sure this achievement would have existed only in my dreams.
I also would like to thank my big brothers for all their support, Samuel Estifanos and Simon Zerufael, my colleagues, for their support with electronic devices, especially during exams.
Thank you for your time, Kibrom. We wish you a bright future.