Alumnus Profile: Derba Boivin – Seton Helped Prepare Me for Ave Maria University

A Little About Me

My name is Derba Boivin, a junior at Ave Maria University. I was born in Ethiopia and adopted when I was five and I have lived in Ave Maria since 2014.

I have always wanted to pursue a career in some type of service. As a young boy, I wanted to be a firefighter or a police officer. As I grew up, I became interested in investigative work in law enforcement, and now I feel called to serve our country as a Marine officer. This desire and calling led me to continue my studies at AMU in 2022, and I will graduate in May 2026 and join the Marine Corps.

Leadership Opportunities

I love Ave Maria University and what it stands for. It has given me the opportunity to pursue a career as a Marine officer and provided me with leadership opportunities on campus to prepare me for this role. I am a lead altar server for Masses on campus, a junior class representative on AMU’s Student Government Association, and a member of our football team.

It’s not only the leadership opportunities that I appreciate at AMU but also the entire school and culture. I especially love the Faith life on campus. With nine Masses offered daily, daily confession, a perpetual adoration chapel, and a chapel in every residence hall, I never have an excuse to miss Mass or not visit a chapel to pray each day.

The academic offerings at Ave Maria have truly been a blessing, as well. We receive an education rooted in the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition through a core curriculum that includes courses in theology, philosophy, literature, rhetoric, and many more. I am pursuing a communications major with a psychology minor, and I am confident this will prepare me for life after college.

How Did Seton Help You Prepare?

Seton Home Study School absolutely prepared me for success at AMU. I was able to participate in co-ops with other Seton students here in Ave Maria, which prepared me for social life at the university. One of the biggest advantages that a Seton education gives students to prepare for college is teaching them how to think critically, think for themselves, and write.

An AMU education requires a lot of writing, but I always feel prepared and able to accomplish my writing assignments because of the practice Seton gave me! Seton also taught me a tremendous amount about my Faith, and my knowledge and understanding have grown even more at AMU.

I encourage any Seton students discerning their college decision to strongly consider Ave Maria University. I truly think you will find a home where you can thrive.

Come visit us!

Ave Maria University

You can learn more about Ave Maria University here.