Join Dan's Journey to Africa's Sustainability
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My name is Daniel Van Rooyen and I attended St. John's College, a high school in Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa. I have recently been accepted as a Freshman at the University of Pennsylvania and am hoping to start in the fall of 2021. I am enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences with a focus in environmental engineering and architectural design.
I studied Mathematics, Physics and Art at A Level (UK based advanced level qualifications), which enthralled me as it allowed my artistic skills to translate to structural realities. This led to my ultimate goal for University: which was to find a curriculum that would provide me with an interdisciplinary platform to integrate my love for art and design with my passion for sustainable structural forms.
This dream led me to the University of Pennsylvania, an institution that resonated with my intellectual curiosities and offered me the best courses, professors and initiatives that would fulfil my idea of a successful college experience. For me it was never about the prestige, it was just my inner ambition to push myself as far as I could in everything I did, including attending an IVY league institution.
Receiving my letter of admission was a dream come true. However this euphoria was short lived as I was later notified that my application of financial aid was denied and my family would have to bear the full cost of attendance, $83,298 per year. This news was devastating, it felt like my dream was being stolen from me as I cannot attend Penn without financial aid.
In order not to waste all the hard work and academic achievement it has taken to get me accepted to Penn, I am committed to do whatever is necessary to fulfil my dream. I will be contributing all I have earned since I left high school from tutoring and my art sales as well as all the proceeds from any work I do at Penn during my time there, towards this cause.
It is extremely important for me to channel my passions for art, sustainability and engineering to one day return to Zimbabwe and truly create sustainable living environments which in turn will improve the lives of the people here.
I would sincerely be grateful to receive your support in this quest.
I studied Mathematics, Physics and Art at A Level (UK based advanced level qualifications), which enthralled me as it allowed my artistic skills to translate to structural realities. This led to my ultimate goal for University: which was to find a curriculum that would provide me with an interdisciplinary platform to integrate my love for art and design with my passion for sustainable structural forms.
This dream led me to the University of Pennsylvania, an institution that resonated with my intellectual curiosities and offered me the best courses, professors and initiatives that would fulfil my idea of a successful college experience. For me it was never about the prestige, it was just my inner ambition to push myself as far as I could in everything I did, including attending an IVY league institution.
Receiving my letter of admission was a dream come true. However this euphoria was short lived as I was later notified that my application of financial aid was denied and my family would have to bear the full cost of attendance, $83,298 per year. This news was devastating, it felt like my dream was being stolen from me as I cannot attend Penn without financial aid.
In order not to waste all the hard work and academic achievement it has taken to get me accepted to Penn, I am committed to do whatever is necessary to fulfil my dream. I will be contributing all I have earned since I left high school from tutoring and my art sales as well as all the proceeds from any work I do at Penn during my time there, towards this cause.
It is extremely important for me to channel my passions for art, sustainability and engineering to one day return to Zimbabwe and truly create sustainable living environments which in turn will improve the lives of the people here.
I would sincerely be grateful to receive your support in this quest.
Organizer
Colin Van Rooyen
Organizer
Fort Lauderdale, FL