Kenyan-American high school teen, Sharon Njeri Wambu has received acceptance into 11 top US educational institutions
namely; Harvard University, Stanford University, Columbia University, University of Southern California, UCLA, University of California Irvine, UCSD, UCSB, UCR, Cal Poly Pomona, and Vanderbilt University. The very happy Sharon, a former student of Norco High School in California speaking in an interview with African Warrior Magazine said “When I opened my college acceptances, I was incredibly excited and even a bit shocked. So many qualified applicants get rejected and I am grateful that the admissions committees saw something in me.”
It makes me happy to know that wherever I choose to go, I will have access to amazing resources and people who will push me and help me achieve my goals.”
Sharon hopes to study computer science, and is yet to choose which university she will be going to; obviously spoilt for choice. She told the magazine “In the future, I would like to use software engineering to work on platforms where people can share experiences with each other. I actually didn’t know I would venture into this field until the summer before my senior year. I feel that computer science gives me a tangible way to solve problems around me, and I appreciate the creativity that computer science requires. Through computer science, I hope to create innovative solutions for societal problems and cater to underserved communities.”
Sharon’s parents are of Kenyan descent who immigrated to the US and according to her, “as a Kenyan-American, I have faced some of the misconceptions that some people have about Kenya and other countries like it. Perhaps using technology such as virtual reality, I can show people the beautiful country, the value put on education, and the complex issues that Kenya is dealing with.” Her mother, who equally shared in her daughters’ joy was not surprised considering all the hard work Sharon had put in.
In a message to young girls who want to have access to prestigious universities in America, she concludes by saying “I want young girls to know that they can do absolutely anything they want to do if they put their mind to it. In addition to studying hard, I want to encourage young girls to try new things and do what they love! “
Photo Credit: African Warrior Magazine
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