Student Spotlight Interview: Tensae Tadesse

 

Tensae Tadesse understands that success isn't built overnight. It's built through resilience, consistency, and the courage to start over.

Originally from Addis Ababa Ethiopia, Tadesse arrived in the United States with a dream that stretched far beyond the soccer field. While continuing his athletic career was a major motivation, he also saw education as the key to creating lasting opportunities.

"Football was the first reason I came," Tadesse said. "I wanted to keep competing, but I also knew education was going to be a huge part of my future. Montco gave me the opportunity to do both."

That opportunity became the foundation for an extraordinary journey.

 

For many international students, moving to another country means more than adjusting to new classrooms. It means leaving behind family, friends, and everything familiar.

For Tadesse, the biggest challenge was simple.

"Honestly, starting over," he said. "New country, new people, different culture, different style of soccer—and being thousands of miles away from everyone I grew up with."

Rather than letting those challenges define him, he embraced them.

"Nobody knew me here. You have to build everything again. At first that's hard, but after a while you realize that's where you grow the most."

 

As a Business Administration major, Tadesse always envisioned a future beyond a traditional career path.

"I've never wanted to work just one job my whole life," he explained. "I've always wanted to build businesses and create opportunities."

His long-term vision includes launching businesses in sports and other industries while strengthening connections between the United States and Ethiopia.

"Business Administration gave me the foundation to understand how companies actually work."

 

As a member of the Mustangs men's soccer team, Tadesse quickly learned that earning respect requires consistent effort.

"On the field, you have to earn respect every day," he said. "In class, you realize nobody cares where you're from—they care whether you put the work in."

That same work ethic helped him thrive beyond athletics.

Serving as a Student Ambassador transformed his confidence.

"When I first came here, I was quiet," he said. "Now I'm comfortable meeting new people, representing the college, and helping other students. That's something I never expected when I first arrived."

Soccer also provided lessons that extended well beyond competition.

"It taught me discipline and how to work with different personalities."

 

Balancing college athletics, leadership responsibilities, and academics isn't easy, but Tadesse credits one thing above all else.

"I'm not a genius—I just stay consistent."

His dedication paid off with consecutive Dean's List honors while successfully balancing practices, games, coursework, and campus leadership.

"I plan my days, show up to class, finish my work early, and try not to make excuses. Soccer actually helped because it forces you to manage your time. Once you build that routine, everything else becomes easier."

 

One of the defining moments of Tadesse's Montco experience came through participation in the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program.

"That experience changed my expectations of myself," he said.

The program introduced him to new academic possibilities while helping him realize he belonged among ambitious students pursuing challenging goals.

"I met great professors, amazing students, and I realized I could compete academically at a place like Bucknell."

That experience ultimately inspired his decision to continue his education at Bucknell University.

 

As he prepares for the next chapter, Tadesse is excited by what lies ahead.

"The challenge," he said. "I've always wanted to be around ambitious people who push each other to be better."

He believes Montco prepared him well for the transition.

"Montco gave me confidence. It taught me how to manage my time, balance different responsibilities, and believe I could compete at a higher level academically."

His goals at Bucknell are clear: earn strong grades, build meaningful relationships with professors and classmates, gain internship experience, and continue developing the skills needed to become an entrepreneur.

Looking five years into the future, Tadesse hopes to be leading businesses that create opportunities for others.

"I hope I'm running businesses I'm proud of, creating opportunities for other people, and looking back at Bucknell and Montco as the places that helped me get there."

 

When asked to describe Montgomery County Community College in just three words, Tadesse didn't hesitate:

 

"Opportunity because it opened doors I never thought I'd have. Growth because I changed so much as a person. Brotherhood because of the friendships and teammates I'll always remember."

His favorite memories aren't defined by wins or statistics, but by the everyday moments with teammates—road trips, practices, and conversations in the locker room.

"The friendships are what I'll remember the most."

 

As Tadesse prepares to graduate and transfer, he hopes future students embrace everything Montco has to offer.

"Don't come here just to get a degree," he said. "Get involved. Meet people. Talk to your professors. Join clubs. Play sports if you can. Say yes to opportunities because you never know which one will completely change your life."

His message is especially meaningful for international students beginning their own journeys.

"Don't be afraid of starting over. It'll be uncomfortable at first, but that's where the best things happen."

For transfer students, his advice is equally simple.

"Don't underestimate yourself. Community college isn't the end goal—it's a launchpad. If you stay disciplined and take advantage of your opportunities, you can end up anywhere."

From Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Montgomery County Community College, and now to Bucknell University, Tadesse's story is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and embracing every opportunity. His journey reminds us that success isn't determined by where you begin—it's shaped by the determination to keep growing wherever the path leads.