Alfa Alemayehu

What qualities do you feel you derive from your Ethiopian roots?

I consider myself a hard-working individual and I definitely credit that to my Ethiopian roots. I learned from an early age that if I wanted to achieve a goal of mine, I had to be intentional and not afraid to ask questions. My culture has also shaped me to truly value my education. Whether it be listening to a podcast, attending a lecture, or reading, I try not to take any opportunity to learn for granted.  

You are a self-described non-fiction enthusiast. Tell us about your favorite work.

Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End is such a great read. Dr. Gawande is an incredibly educated surgeon and a member of President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 Advisory Board. In the book, he describes his first-hand experiences in treating elderly patients with illnesses, such as dementia, coupled with loneliness. As these patients approach death, Dr. Gawande calls for medical practitioners to focus on improving patients’ quality of life instead of solely focusing on survival. He compassionately approaches elderly patients with the goal of not only to live long, but to also live meaningfully. I may or may not have shed a tear at the end. 

As you approach graduation, what memory of law school at Boyd do you think will last longest?

There are too many memorable moments at Boyd. If I had to pick, it would probably be between the late nights studying at the library as a 1L or spending those few minutes before class starts catching up with my friends. I think the little moments of grabbing coffee during a study break with my study partners or stopping in the hallway to catch up with a friend are when the fun conversations happen that make for great memories.

What do you long to do when the pandemic comes to an end? 

I am really looking forward to traveling. I think a solo trip, family trip, or a girls trip is much needed for me!