Q&A with Robel Tedros

Photo of Robel Tedros

Major: African American & African Studies
Minor: Political Science
Year in school: Junior

How did your classes change to accommodate distance learning and other needs? What worked well for you? What do you miss about being on campus?

I was sincerely appreciative of the fact that my instructors were very compassionate and understanding in helping me to best succeed by granting me assignment flexibility, also based upon my DRC [Disability Resource Center] accommodation letter. What worked well for me was being able to work in the comfort of my own home, [but] I miss being with my fellow peers and engaging in thoughtful and rich conversations.

What is something you learned in college that has helped you interpret what you are experiencing and reading about in the news? How does your liberal arts education inform how you think about what’s going on?

What I have learned in my college education is to be a critical thinker and assess different political, economic, and social opinions of others. My liberal education here at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has allowed me to critically analyze different opinions and to formulate thoughtful and rich conversations with other peers of mine.

What are you doing to care for your physical and mental health these days? How are you staying connected with others? How has your daily routine changed?

I am taking good care of my physical and mental health by exercising regularly and staying on a healthy diet as best as I can. I am spending quality time with my family and even talking with my neighbors from time to time. As far as my daily routine is concerned, I have been trying my very best to stick to a regular routine each day. It has been difficult because I like to sleep in most days.

What inspires you? What keeps you going even in a discouraging situation?

What inspires me to keep moving forward is finding ways in which I can activate my own personal happiness. This includes regular exercise, staying on a healthy diet as best as I can, listening to great music, and spending quality time with my family.

What have you learned about yourself through this experience?

What I have learned about myself during this experience is that I can find ways to keep myself busy and to help my own progress with personal happiness.

This story is part of a larger series. Read more at Students Reflect on a Semester of Distance Learning.
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