Here’s To Some Of Our Talented Alums
Matthew G.
Northwestern University
Supporting him in writing his college application essays allowed me to get to know the real Matthew -- beyond his stellar transcript, impressive standardized test scores, and meaningful extracurriculars. I learned about how he would devour Derby pie while visiting his mother's family in Kentucky and injera and zigni derho when visiting his father's family, of Eritrean roots, in Indiana. I learned that growing up between these two worlds shaped his interest in business strategies, specifically in building market opportunities in developing countries. I learned of his love for basketball and the Indiana Pacers, but more importantly, why he was motivated to coach local youth during free summer basketball clinics. And through his Personal Statement, which I still think is one of the best I have ever read, he told me that his love of jazz was not purely for the love of music but because it was the vehicle that allowed him to overcome his shyness and communicate well with others. I could not be more excited for Matthew as he now moves on to study Economics at Northwestern!
Emma Weibel
UC Berkeley/Sciences Po Dual Degree Program
Some people are genuinely motivated to make the world a better place. Emma is one of those wonderful people. She has been a human rights activist and advocate since elementary school, speaking out against injustice and standing passionately for what she believes in. This passion has evolved with Emma becoming a dedicated climate change activist, fighting for the health of our planet and our collective future. Through her work at the grassroots climate nonprofit SanDiego350, her participation as a plaintiff in the Constitutional climate lawsuit Genesis v. EPA, and her own La Jolla Environmental Action Club (LJEA), Emma’s impact has been far-reaching. She will be attending Sciences Po’s Reims Campus, just 40 minutes outside of Paris, for the first two years of undergrad, pursuing a major in Political Humanities; for her second two years, she will be attending UC Berkeley, studying Society and Environment with a minor in Human Rights. She will finish her undergraduate journey with two bachelor’s degrees from top-tier international universities as she continues her quest to make the world a better place. Special young people like Emma make me believe that our future is in excellent hands!
Olamide Falayi
Princeton University
Olamide embodies the saying, “Still waters run deep.” On the surface, she managed a rigorous course load, prepared for standardized tests, and studied for AP Exams with uncommon calm and balance, consistently achieving success. But beneath that placid exterior, you will find an incredibly passionate, driven, and creative young person. Her college application essays underscored this truth, powerfully conveying the motivation that connects her to her chosen area of study — Computer Science. CS is where her technical strengths and creative talents intersect perfectly. By her example, teaching, and mentorship, Olamide seeks to encourage diversity and empower young women of color to take their seats at the table in the world of CS. Olamide’s passion will only grow stronger as she starts the next chapter of her exciting journey in Princeton next fall.
Maya Garaway
Rochester Institute of Technology
Maya is undoubtedly one of the most creative students I have worked with. In fact, during many of our lessons, it was hard not to notice the life-sized, mixed-media papier-mâché tree that had “taken root” in the garage behind her, which had been converted into her artist’s studio. She was creating the tree for her senior art project, but I appreciated that it made for a lovely backdrop for our sessions. Maya’s creativity rightfully spilled over into her college application essay writing, where she crafted some powerful essays. Her personal statement, focusing on origami cranes, was one of the most moving and unique personal statements I have read to date. So, it was no wonder she did exceptionally well in the college admissions process, receiving acceptances to schools such as Rochester Institute of Technology, American University of Rome, SCAD, MassArt, MICA, Northeastern, and Florida State University. I am eager to see what she creates next as she moves on to the RIT to pursue a dual degree in art and automotive engineering.
