Undergraduate / "Growing up" - Computer Science UPENN SUPPLEMENT-WHAT YOU WANT TO EXPLORE [4]

Considering both the specific undergraduate program to which you are applying and the wider Penn community, what academic, research and/or extracurricular activities do you see yourself exploring at Penn?

GROWING UP

Growing up, is like leaving a part of you that you once overestimated and starting a new chapter that even with your wildest dreams of success , is still an underestimation. A new world is born, a world possibly not realized until the decision to move is made; until one decides to walk to the edge of the cliff, jump and descend trusting that the wings will grow on their own. The University of Pennsylvania appears as such to me-a platform to grow.

I am leaning towards Computer science as my major. The Engineering Entrepreneurship course is of great interest to me, seeing as I one day plan to own a software company and believe the business skills would be essential, alongside my engineering skills.

Aside from that, the Rachleff Scholars program will give me the opportunity to learn from estimable research experiences, participate in scholarly community activities, and learn from my peers who share a passion in Engineering, as I do.

The Penn Research in Embedded Computing and Integrated Systems Engineering appeals to me as well: large scale projects, joint R&D activities with industry groups, and a senior design project I would work on, it all seems too good to be true!

I would also apply for the service learning study abroad opportunity. Penn Engineers without borders, appeals to me for its mission that works to enable sustainable development while enlightening and assisting the world as a community.

The summer opportunities abroad such as the International Summer programs offered caught my eye as well. I wish to study in Europe at one point during my stay at Penn, following my desire to finish learning the German language, therefore discovering the possibility excited me.

I would like to join sports like rowing or fencing that I did not have the opportunity of learning as I grew up. I would also like to join one of the nine Greek sororities at Penn, Model United Nations, the Big Brother Big Sister Mentorship program, the society of Women engineers, dance and yoga fitness programs, and so many more...

There is literally so much to choose from; I honestly get a bit dizzy pin pointing specific activities I would like to join, recognizing that my decision may change due to the fact that I may find another activity, program, or research opportunity that makes a better match with me, but for now and all I know about Upenn, this is my list.

There are so many ways for me to improve my abilities and contribute to the enhancement of the community I may soon call home. At this point, I am like a sculpture that is still being molded. I have not even begun to reach the person I know I can become, but I do know this university will shape me, to be an influential leader of society. It will bear a new world in me, a world I have surely not yet known of. Of one thing I am certain, the University of Pennsylvania, is where I want to grow.

Tell me what you think,

Undergraduate / 'So, tell me about this company you want to start,' - achievement/experience/risk [5]

Tell me what you think :-)
All comments appreciated, positive criticism mostly

AUGUST THE THIRTIETH

Seneca once said that it is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult. Of all experiences to write about, I chose this one because I think it shows most appropriately the beginning of what I hope will be a wonderful story of my life; chapter one of a great book; August the thirtieth.

I sat in the reception of the office trying to read the newspaper that I was holding, so excited that I could only see words that I could not make sense of. I smiled to myself, proud that I had brought myself there on my own accord and hoped that greater things would come out of it, or be inspired by it.

'So, tell me about this company you want to start,' he asked handing me a glass of fruit juice. I explained, pointing out its mission, its objectives, what I hope for it and most importantly why I needed his help and why he should give it to me. I told him of my dreams and hoped he would believe in them as much as I did.

He promised his help, and offered me a place in his company's internship program, which as I recalled was reserved for the students who topped the country in the national examination results. They got the chance to meet leaders from all over the world, speak to the youth and learn entrepreneurship skills, to mention a few, plus I'd be able to market my company and perhaps meet my future business partners!

After thanking him, I left with an inner glow. I had just spoken to the Chief Executive Officer of Equity Bank, Dr. James Mwangi, who headed one of the biggest banks in Africa and had literally brought it from nothing into an award winning bank. I had booked an appointment with him to discuss my plans for the future, most importantly the company I wanted to start, 'CNL'.

This experience marked the start of change that I always knew had to begin with me. I decided that day that I would live my life not afraid to take the risks necessary to make what I want happen. The world is made up of people who either watch things happen, talk about things that happen or make things happen. I suppose by now you can guess which group I would like to be classified in.

Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the belief that something else is more important. I try to live courageously, but it's not always easy to look rejection, failure and possible humiliation in the face and say "I'm going to beat you!' without a hint of doubt; but the point is that we get up every day and try again, and again and again. If we all lived like this, I believe we would be able to uplift ourselves, our lives and through the ripple effect, the world.

As for the company and how it's doing so far? I guess you'll have to meet me to find that one out, perhaps the thirtieth of any month? I tend to have a thing for that number these days.