It is often a transition for youth when they come to Methodist Children’s Home, but for Noel it meant adjusting to a new country, not just to MCH.
Noel is from Ethiopia and lived at the MCH Boys Ranch for two years.
“I remember the day quite well when I left my home and family to come to the United States to live with my aunt,” he said. “Eventually it was decided I would have more opportunity at MCH.”
Today Noel is a junior at the University of Texas in Arlington. He is an Engineering major and on the Albaugh Scholarship. The Albaugh Scholarship was established in the 1940s by Mr. and Mrs. Roy B. Albaugh in the honor of their son. Noel’s dream is to one day return to his home in Ethiopia to give back.
“I am grateful to my home parents for helping me integrate into the culture and reassuring me when I was homesick,” said Noel. “I was also taught valuable lessons about being accountable for myself, punctuality and developing a strong work ethic.”
The college life has been an opportunity for Noel to make lifelong friends, be in a diverse population along with having his educational needs met.
“I would tell graduating seniors to make a plan, work hard and be involved in activities,” he said. “Pick a major you have an interest in. Making money is not everything; I want to be happy and enjoy what I do.”
Noel said MCH has been a major part of his educational journey, adding that “MCH has been there every step of the way. Someone is just a phone call away. I feel I have two families, mine in Ethiopia and MCH.”
Noel hopes to get an internship in the aerospace industry with a corporation like Lockheed Martin, Boeing or a wind-energy engineering corporation.
“I feel a ‘calling’ to give back to my community in Ethiopia,” he said. “I can see myself returning there and helping others one day. I hope to learn as much as possible in order to do just that.”
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