The first day of college is overwhelming for most freshmen—the bittersweet moment of leaving home and moving into a dorm, rushing to find classes in a maze of buildings and exploring the bustling city streets as the sun sets. As a first-generation student, Eyob Abai remembers not only feeling overwhelmed during his first day at the University of Colorado Boulder, but also feeling an additional pressure to succeed as the first member of his family to attend college.

Despite the nerves, Abai has thrived at CU Boulder, and his story sends a message of inspiration to future first-generation students: that every student, regardless of background, makes a meaningful addition to the CU community. 

Abai espouses this message in every space he occupies, whether it be through his classes or his involvement both on-campus and off. For first-generation students, it can be hard to feel connected with classmates, so Abai places great importance on getting involved and including others.

“My involvement at CU has largely been driven by being able to find communities, and being able to positively impact those communities I belong to,” Abai says.

Born to Ethiopian immigrants, Abai was raised in Littleton, Colorado, where he discovered his passion for business as a member of the Future Business Leaders of America in high school. By his senior year at CU Boulder, he was the president of Leeds Student Government. 

Abai’s background has shaped an interest in representing diverse groups on campus. As a member of the Diverse Scholars Program, it is important to him that all students feel welcome. Decreasing inequity and discrimination amongst the students at CU Boulder is one of his main goals as president of Leeds Student Government. He wants people to feel their voices are heard, requiring members to speak up during meetings to ensure every perspective is included.

“When you ask questions and when you challenge things, it allows others to understand that perspective, and it starts dialogue,” Abai says. 

Abai also serves as the case competition director for the Leeds Consulting Group. He feels that as a business consultant, he can fulfill his sense of duty in helping others—particularly minority and historically disenfranchised groups.

“I want to remain passionate about the work that I do, and I want to make sure my work is positively impacting the communities I identify with,” Abai says.

Abai’s involvement in Leeds Student Government, Leeds Consulting Group and the Residence Hall Association at CU Boulder, among many other things, are only part of his legacy here. Outside the classroom, his sunny disposition extends to the hiking trails.

“The thing I always tell people to do is to laugh and have a good time,” Abai says. “As for what I do around Boulder, I’ve been hiking a lot, which has been great, and I definitely recommend hiking the Royal Arch; it can be difficult at points but it has an amazing view.”

After graduating, Abai will transition to a role as a business analyst with McKinsey & Company. Even further, he hopes to continue to positively impact his community and be an advocate for underrepresented voices.