‘I did it!’: New LPS graduate reflects on her family’s immigration journey

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Hundreds donned caps and gowns at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday, but this day held an extra special meaning for one student.

Rahel Teklu walked across the stage to receive her diploma as a Lincoln Southeast High School Knight.

But her life started much differently.

“I went through a lot to get here,” Teklu said. “It just feels so great to finally be here and celebrate with my whole class and just finally say, ‘I graduated! I did it!'”

She and her family are immigrants.

Her father grew up in Africa, where he was extremely poor.

But by working hard, he moved his family to American and got a Ph.D.

He is an inspiration to his daughter.

“He grew up with almost nothing, and he was still able to get an education, build a great life and have the American dream,” Teklu said. “I just figure, if he did it with all of these things weighing down against him, why can’t we?”

Teklu has dealt with her own struggles since moving to the U.S.

“I went through a bit of depression my sophomore and junior year, and it was really hard,” she said. “But I figured I want to use my story to tell people that they’re not less than just because they’re struggling.”

Teklu was one of the few students chosen to speak at the graduation ceremony.

She told her father’s story and encouraged her classmates to dream big and never settle.

She said the adversity she has faced is motivating her to help others.

Teklu is starting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall and plans to become a psychiatrist for children.

“I wouldn’t have become the person I am today without the battles I have overcome,” she said. “And in fact, I’m actually somewhat grateful for them because it led me to my love of psychology and psychiatry.”