A former cab driver from Ethiopia, who graduated with honor from Holyoke Community College, was one of the speakers on Commencement day. Asamnew Tessema Anbessie came to the United States in 2005 after Americans whom he drove around in his taxi during their several trips to Addis Ababa sponsored him.
He earned about $100 a month from driving a cab. “Each time they visited” says Asamnew “I drove them around, translated for them, and answered their questions about my culture. They knew I was interested in getting an education. They knew I didn't want to be a cab driver for the rest of my life.” On his commencement speech Asamnew thanked the Worcester-based Polus Center for Social and Economic Development that sponsored him and gave him a chance to education. He stated that education is a way for him to become a better person.
Asamnew was born in southern Ethiopia in Bale Goba. His worked as a driver for different local and international non-governmental organizations like Pact Ethiopia, before he owned a taxi. He wants to pursue his education and earn his Bachelors in Accounting. Mestawot hosts Fregenet Asseged and Konjit Taye talked to Asamnew Tessema Anbessie.
(Click the links above to hear Fregenet and Konjit’s interview with Asamnew Tessema Anbessie in Amharic).
