Metanya Zewdu

Metanya Zewdu ’26
Major: Biology
Involvements: Work Study Student in the OISS and Volunteer at the MLK Hospital 

Senior Biology major Metanya Zewdu ’25 has spent her LMU years on the pre-med track, hoping to build a life of purpose and service to her community. Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she came to Los Angeles for LMU, an experience she described as “life-changing.” Coming here was a big culture shock for her, especially when comparing the hustle and independence culture of L.A. to Addis Ababa’s strong sense of community and deep religious roots. One thing she noted that was similar, however, and a reason she chose LMU, was the weather.

Something that she brought with her were the morals and values she gained from her country and her influential mother’s wisdom, which have shaped her into a woman who sees herself most aligned with the LMU pillars Live a Life of Purpose, Commit to Service and Justice, and Practice Ignatian Values. She expressed that “ever since [she] was a kid, [she] wanted to live a life of purpose and help people,” which is why she has chosen the career path she is currently pursuing. Presently, she spends her time volunteering at the MLK Hospital, as well as at a soup kitchen that she and her friend love to help out at. Her Orthodox Christian background also informs her outlook on life and inspires her to be kind to others and to herself.

One way she hopes to impact LMU’s campus is by mentoring new STEM majors in the way she wishes she would have been helped. She aims to guide them and give them a better grasp of how to navigate the major and its requirements. As she has learned from her mother, “hard work pays off.” Ten years from now, she plans to be living back in Ethiopia, having “Dr.” before her name, running a hospital, working with kids, and having a family of her own, and she views LMU as a meaningful step to get there.

On campus, Metanya works for the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS), guiding students through visa requirements, travel signatures, and other necessary forms. Through this position, she was entered to win the Sr. Joanne Connolly Scholarship, which she ultimately received. Winning the scholarship eased the financial pressure of her senior year, especially as her younger siblings have recently followed her to the States to pursue their own education. “It lifted a huge stress off my family,” she says and “I’m very grateful.”