Today, as we conclude International Education Week, we are featuring Elihana Bonny.

Growing up in the Ivory Coast in West Africa, Elihana (Eli) Bonny learned English by watching American TV shows, including her favorite, Friends. She was always intrigued with the American culture, as shaped in her eyes by these shows. Her desire to move to the United States grew stronger when her older sister relocated to Minnesota ten years ago. After graduating from high school, Eli decided it was the right time to move to Minnesota, eager to explore a new life and make new friends.

Eli understood that education was important, but she had no idea what she wanted to study. Her sister encouraged her to attend SPC and explore various programs. After trying out several options, Eli quickly eliminated many of them. When she took a career exploration quiz, she discovered that her passions lay in Engineering and Health Science, with Mechanical Engineering being her preferred field. She promptly enrolled in the Engineering Broad Field program and is scheduled to graduate next spring. After that, she plans to attend Minnesota State University, Mankato, to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Eli aspires to work in either the aviation or medical industry.

Eli fondly remembers her first day on campus when she met many new friends in the Title III office, who helped her connect in meaningful ways. She learned a great deal about financial literacy and planning. Eli was also introduced to a Ph.D. student from the University of Minnesota, who shared her background from the Ivory Coast and would later become her mentor. Embracing the unique culture at SPC, Eli serves as a peer mentor for women of color and takes joy in welcoming people from around the world to SPC.

Like many students studying abroad, Eli often felt anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed while trying to balance her education and life in a new country. The mental health counselors at SPC provided tremendous support, including special time with their therapy dog, Charlie. Eli lights up when she remembers how she could share so much with the SPC counselors and always felt safe and non-judged in their presence. These valuable experiences have inspired her to open up to other students, allowing her to forge many new and authentic friendships.

A TV show called Friends may have brought Eli to the US. Making many new friends at SPC will help her stay in Minnesota as she pursues her career as a Mechanical Engineer!