1

Personal Statement:

Dear Admissions Committee,

Growing up in a small rural town in Kenya, my surroundings were immersed in vibrant greens
and earthy browns. Surrounded by vast farmlands, I developed a deep admiration for the natural
world and its remarkable ability to sustain life. These early experiences, working the soil
alongside my family, instilled in me an unwavering reverence for the delicate balance of nature.
This profound respect for the land and a burning curiosity about how computer science intersects
with agriculture fuels my desire to become part of the University of Pennsylvania community.
Even as a child, I found myself drawn to tinkering with electronics, eager to comprehend the
inner workings of the devices that connected me to the wider world. This innate curiosity guided
me into exploring computer science. I discovered the potential for technology to transform
agriculture, making it more sustainable and efficient. I was intrigued by the idea that lines of
code could help optimize crop yields, reduce waste, and alleviate food scarcity issues that plague
our world.

I volunteered on a nearby farm one summer and saw farmers' daily struggles. At this point, I saw
how computer science and data analytics could completely transform the agriculture sector. I was
motivated to start a personal effort to create a crop monitoring system employing sensors and
data processing. I discovered the value of tenacity and the significance of adjusting to
unexpected circumstances via trial and error. Additionally, this voyage taught me the value of
interdisciplinary cooperation. I soon understood that the field of precision agriculture could
successfully unite my love of biology and computer science. My goal was to use technology to
develop sustainable farming methods, lessen environmental effects, and guarantee food security.

I have actively looked for opportunities to increase my knowledge as I work toward completing
this purpose. I enrolled in advanced biology, ecology, and data science classes to build a strong
basis. I also worked with local farmers and researchers to better comprehend their requirements
and difficulties. I discovered the true meaning of humility via these experiences because I
realized that the knowledge of those who work the land is superior to any knowledge I could get
from books. I am ready to move on to the next phase of my University of Pennsylvania education
as I stand before you. In addition to its well-regarded computer science curriculum, UPenn
appeals to me because of its dedication to interdisciplinary study and research. The chance to
 2

collaborate with eminent academics and enthusiastic peers who share my interests is a dream
come true.

I do not affirm that I am the most qualified applicant or have all the answers. To make a
significant impact on the planet, though, I am driven by an unshakeable commitment to connect
computer science and agriculture. My goals may be modest, but they are based on the conviction
that even little actions can result in important change. I respectfully want to learn and develop
among the active University of Pennsylvania community. I pledge to take a conscientious
approach to my studies, uphold the principles of sustainability, and put in endless effort to have a
positive influence on both the field of computer science and the field of agriculture. I appreciate
your taking a look at my application. I'm excited for the chance to contribute to the University of
Pennsylvania's rich tapestry of knowledge and innovation.

School Fees:

Education was both a distant ideal and a distant reality in the little community where I was
raised. When I was carrying the burden of overdue school fees, the sandy trails leading to our
one-room schoolhouse looked longer than they were. I was frequently dismissed from school
because I was unable to attend lessons because of the load of outstanding fees. These incidents
were depressing. As I stood on the sidelines, my hopes temporarily dashed, I would observe my
classmates as they participated eagerly and enthusiastically. Being denied an education, which I
held in the highest regard, was a traumatic experience. Despite several times I was told to go
home, I never gave up on my dream.

After observing my resolve, my hardworking farmer father determined he would do whatever it

took to ensure I had an education. We agreed that to raise the money needed for my school fees,
I would work alongside him, plowing the fields after school and on the weekends. Those
exhausting hours spent in the hot sun were a monument to my family's steadfast faith in the value
of education. I learned about endurance, hard labor, and the sacrifices parents make for their
children's future as I struggled alongside my father. The ground beneath my feet took on a new
meaning for me as a reminder of the prospects that education may present.
 3

Surprisingly, despite missing a lot of classes, my resolve remained unwavering. I made the most
of my time in school by studying hard in the evenings. I asked my teachers and classmates for
help to make up the lessons I had missed. When the time arrived, I approached the Kenya
Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam with enthusiasm and apprehension. My many
hours of study, mixed with the grit I developed while helping my father in the fields, paid off. To
my surprise and great pride, I was named the fourth-best student in my school.

My experience is proof of the strength of willpower and resiliency. It proves that there is always
a way when there is a will. My father and I plowed the fields, and it was there that my dreams
found a strong foundation and flourished. I will always appreciate my family's sacrifices and the
chances that education has given me. My journey is a tribute to those who believed in me and
supported me no matter what; they saw my promise. Looking ahead, I am motivated to pursue
my education because it will help me improve personally and benefit my family and community.
I am committed to carrying forward the lessons I have learned from my father's fields, embracing
each challenge as an opportunity to grow and succeed.

Penn Supplemental Short Answer Prompts:

1. Thank-You Note:

Dear Dad,

I sincerely thank you for your unwavering confidence in me and support throughout my
academic career. My compass has been your sacrifices and encouragement, even when things
were tough. You never ceased believing in my ability, even while I was battling pronunciation
issues and feelings of isolation.

Your choice to drive me to the fields after school so we could make the money needed to cover
my tuition is evidence of your commitment to being a good father. Together, we plowed those
 4

fields, which not only helped me pay for my studies but also grew closer as father and son. You
instilled in me the importance of perseverance, hard effort, and never giving up on my
aspirations. I will take the things you've taught me with me when I set out to combine computer
science and agriculture at the University of Pennsylvania. I want to make you proud by using my
degree to advance precision agriculture in Kenya, enhance farmers' quality of life, and advance
our neighborhood's welfare. I am grateful, Dad, for being my pillar of strength and my
inspiration. I promise to continue striving for excellence and making the most of Penn's
opportunities.

Exploring Community at Penn:

I am eager to discover the connections between computer science and agriculture at the
University of Pennsylvania among the vibrant Penn community. I am in a unique position to
genuinely contribute to and learn from this group because of my background and experiences.
Through my involvement in precision agriculture, I hope to establish connections with
academics and other students who share my enthusiasm for using technology to address Kenya's
agricultural challenges. I see participating in community outreach initiatives that encourage
sustainable agriculture practices, joining relevant clubs and organizations, and collaborating on
research projects with like-minded individuals. A useful perspective on diversity and inclusion,
in my opinion, has been provided by my experience overcoming communication challenges
including misconceptions and language barriers. I want to help the Penn community create a
welcoming atmosphere where people from many backgrounds can prosper and exchange
knowledge. I am eager to let interactions with brilliant minds and varied cultures help alter my
viewpoint as I learn more about community at Penn. At the same time, I'm eager to share my
knowledge and perspectives with the Penn community in order to add to its distinctive fabric and
help everyone work in a more creative and inclusive atmosphere

Exploring Engineering Interests at Penn:

My experience combining computer science and agriculture has created a fierce interest in
utilizing technology to resolve critical difficulties in the agricultural sector. I am enthusiastic to
advance my engineering interests at the University of Pennsylvania by pursuing a
multidisciplinary approach that is consistent with the objective of the institution. My academic
goals are in line with Penn's commitment to integrating the liberal arts, sciences, and
 5

mathematics. I want to major in something that will allow me to use computer science to better
sustainability and farming practices. Whether it be through data analytics for crop optimization,
creating cutting-edge agricultural equipment, or developing precision farming solutions, I am
eager to engage in practical research and coursework that closes the gap between technology and
agriculture. Working with researchers and students who share my enthusiasm for innovative
engineering methods in agriculture is something else I'm looking forward to. Together, we can
use technology to find urgent solutions for the issues that Kenyan and global farmers are
currently facing. I am prepared to thrive in this interdisciplinary field thanks to my journey from
pronunciation issues to a passion for precision agriculture, and I am looking forward to exploring
all the options Penn Engineering has to offer. Through my research and academic pursuits, I
hope to significantly influence agriculture's future and create sustainable agricultural techniques.

Covid 19 Essay:

The COVID-19 epidemic swept the globe like an unanticipated storm, affecting every region and
every aspect of human life. Its merciless hold over my family and me forced us to face
unfathomable difficulties that tried our resiliency and unity. The early days were filled with
anxiety and fear. At first, appearing remote and abstract, the virus gradually crept up on people,
affecting the lives of friends and acquaintances. Hand sanitizer and masks became our daily
friends, and the walls of our house served as our refuge. My siblings and I switched to remote
learning as schools closed their doors. We juggled online lessons and homework at our kitchen
table, which we used as a makeshift classroom. We had to deal with technical difficulties, being
cut off from other people during the shift, other challenges, isolation from friends, and the
absence of face-to-face interactions with teachers.

The pandemic brought a unique set of difficulties for my parents. Customers stopped buying
from my father's little firm, which was already having problems, and supply chains broke down.
With her commitment and bravery showing through the lengthy and grueling shifts, my mother,
a nurse, found herself on the front lines of the fight against the virus. But even in the gloom, we
experienced heartfelt moments of unity. Once uncommon, family dinners have since become a
treasured institution. We had baked cakes for birthdays and stayed up late playing board games.
 6

The pandemic taught us the importance of spending time with one another and the power of our
relationships.

We experienced sorrowful and anxious moments as the rest of the world struggled with loss and
ambiguity. But we also discovered strength within. We learned to adapt, to help one another, and
to be resilient. My family has been forever changed by the epidemic, which emphasizes the value
of cooperation, compassion, and adaptation. We came out of this experience with a greater
understanding of life's fragility and the power that comes from cooperating in the face of
adversity. I am reminded as I think back on this period of our lives that although the pandemic
tried our willpower, it also strengthened our relationship. We are a family that has been forever
transformed by these trying times; we are ready to face whatever challenges the future brings
because of the lessons we have learned and the bonds we have strengthened, ready to face
whatever challenges the future may hold.