Computer science student continues education through Transfer Pathways

September 19, 2022

Beteab Tefera'22 found community, affordability, and continuing education through the Transfer Pathways program.

When starting at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Beteab Tefera was not quite sure what he wanted to do with his career. After speaking with a career counselor, Beteab narrowed down what interested him and decided on the Computer Science Transfer Pathway degree.

“After spring 2022, I will be transferring to St. Cloud State University and will be finishing my Bachelors of Science degree. I am considering on pursuing my masters as well,” he said.

The Transfer Pathway Degree at Anoka-Ramsey is mapped out to complete an Associate of Science degree with course credit that transfers to Minnesota State Universities and this is exactly what Beteab was looking for. 

“The main challenge I faced [when applying to college] was financial instability. With my personal life issues affecting my chances of attending I was kind of scared I might have to drop out. But luckily after applying for the scholarships and with the help of faculty members I got funds that helped me cover most of my tuition,” Beetab said.

Beyond the tuition support and scholarship benefits, Beteab has taken advantage of the student life on campus by participating in clubs, organizations, and creating study groups to meet new friends at school. Even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic he took advantage of the Anime club and other virtual opportunities to meet fellow classmates and staff.

Outside of the student life on campus, Beteab has been particularly appreciative of the small class sizes offered at Anoka-Ramsey.

“The best aspect of Anoka-Ramsey is the number of students per class,” he said. In all the classes I took so far, there were 25 to 30 students. And that is the perfect amount because we had more chance to connect with the teacher and the teacher had more time to help students because of the number of students not being too big.”

Beteab’s dreams and aspirations are to become a software engineer and work on a real estate business on the side. He also has a life goal of having a large family and supporting them in the best way possible using his education.