NOTRE DAME

1. Faith essay
Born and raised in a Christian household and in the
church, I learnt John 3:16 before I learnt how to count
and when I could count, I knew exodus 20 by heart
and that is what I live by, before I make any choices I
find myself reflecting on whether this aligns with my
faith, knowing that as a child of God and a pastor’s
child, I’m a walking evangelist both in my words,
actions and thoughts. My faith is the whole essence
of my being and it practically determines my
personality and life choices.
2. Compliment essay
My academic and behavior success, always felt
expected and it was no longer surprising to the point
that my parents would read my report and not show
any form of excitement or joy, it felt like a routine
and with my good behavior everyone expected me to
be a prefect but a friend later came up to me and
told me that my achievements are well deserved and
that all my efforts are inspiring and it was the
happiest feeling ever.
3. Fostering my community
- This will be the Virginia tech essay
4. Non-negotiable factors
Most of my life has been spent at school than at home and we
always make jokes about how my school is home. In the same
sense Notre Dame will be my new home and I would love for it to
have international students as well, I want to have people from
similar cultures and backgrounds, I want to have people far from
home that feel like home because of our similarities and learn
about different cultures and traditions. For me, a non-negotiable
factor is having a diverse community which flourishes from each
person’s uniqueness.

FAITH ESSAY
Born and raised in a Christian household and in the church, I
learned John 3:16 before I learned how to count. When I
could count, I knew Exodus 20 by heart, and that is what I
live by. Growing up, giving is better than receiving was our
family motto, I grew up giing away some of my clothes,
teaching my little sister what I knew, sharing food and
opening my closet and my room to relatives who could not
afford their own , therefore I grew up with the spirit of
proider, In that same sense I want to be the one that designs
future homes fot others, to proide shelter just like how my
parents did growing up but for me I want to do that as an
architect.

Before I make any decisions, I always reflect on whether

they align with my faith. As a child of God and a pastor’s
child, I see myself as a walking evangelist, both in my words,
actions, and thoughts. My faith is the essence of my being
and practically determines my personality and life choices.
COMPLIMENT ESSAY
My academic success had always felt expected, it no longer
surprised anyone. My parents would read my report cards
without showing enthusiasm, like it was a routine. However,
a friend later came up to me and told me that my
achievements were well-deserved and that my efforts were
inspiring, after I became the head of house. That compliment
meant the world to me because it made me realize that my
efforts weren’t just about meeting expectations; they were
about making a positive impact on those around me. That
moment taught me that my actions can inspire others.
NON-NEGOTIABLE FACTOR
Most of my life has been spent at school rather than at
home, and we often joke that my school is my second home.
I hope that Notre Dame will feel the same way—a place
where I can feel at home, surrounded by a community that
embraces diversity, including international students. I want
to connect with people who share similar cultural
backgrounds, as well as those who come from very different
experiences but can still relate to mine. Having adapted to a
new environment when I transferred in high school, I value
the importance of a community where everyone’s
uniqueness is celebrated. For me, a diverse and inclusive
community is a non-negotiable factor in choosing a
university.
FOSTERING THE COMMUNITY
Volunteering as a tutor is my way of giving back to the
community. At my school, I assist in physics classes, and I
also teach mathematics and English at local schools. Over
the past two years of tutoring, I’ve learned the importance of
creativity in teaching. Every student learns differently—some
need extra time to process information, others benefit from
real-life examples, and some even prefer to teach their
peers. By adapting to these diverse learning styles, I’ve
developed flexibility and resourcefulness. I’m excited to
bring these skills to Notre Dame, where I hope to contribute
to a supportive learning environment and help others thrive
academically.
CORNELL COMMUNITY ESSAY DRAFT 1
Growing up, going to the village was part of our holiday
routine and every time, I was asked what class I was in and I
would mention my grade and everyone and their mothers
would be shocked. Being educated in Malawi as a female is
an impressive achieve mostly because of the stereotype that
women are to stay at home and men are to work but also
because finances hinder most people and early marriages
are rarely discouraged.
 I aspire to motivate other people especially women just like
my mother does, my mom tells stories of how difficult it was
for her to stay focused to further her education till college
because she had a boy on the side pressuring her for
marriage but she remained focused above all that finances
were challenging and she had to get that support from her
older brother
She went on to create an NGO called FESODEV whereby one
of their many projects is to help young girls further their
education not only by supporting them financially but
offering the emotional support, advice and encouraging
them, in fact a girl recently graduated and showed her
gratitude to my mother
On top of that, my mother also has a project whereby she
teaches married stay at home moms in villages skills such as
braiding, cooking, tailoring and etc., so that they can open
businesses and support themselves and their children
That is the community I adore, the women in Malawi who are
low income and want to further their education and they are
meeting obstacles and low income mothers

CORNELL COMMUNITY ESSAY

Growing up, visiting the village during holidays was always an
important part of my life. Each time I went, I would be asked
about my education, and when I mentioned my grade, it was
always met with surprise and admiration. In Malawi, being
educated as a female is a rare achievement because of the
cultural expectation that women should stay at home while men
work. Additionally, financial difficulties and early marriages often
prevent many girls from continuing their education. Living in such
an environment, I realized how valuable education was, not just
for personal growth, but also for breaking barriers.
My mother has always been an inspiration to me. She has a
remarkable ability to motivate others, especially women. She
often shares her own story of perseverance, recalling how difficult
it was to stay focused on her education. Despite pressures from a
boy who wanted her to marry and the financial challenges she
faced, she remained determined. She was supported by her older
brother, who helped her financially, and she continued her studies
all the way through college.
My mother’s efforts didn’t stop there. She founded an NGO called
FESODEV, which empowers young girls to further their education.
The organization provides not only financial support but also
emotional guidance and encouragement. One of the most
rewarding moments for my mother was when a girl who had
received support from the program graduated, it was a reminder
that it was all worth it.
In addition to supporting girls, my mother runs a project for
married stay-at-home moms in rural areas. She teaches them
skills like braiding, cooking, and tailoring, helping them start
businesses and become financially independent. This has allowed
these women to support their families and gain confidence in
their abilities.
The community I cherish is that of women in Malawi, especially
those from low-income backgrounds, facing obstacles to
education and financial independence. Their resilience and
determination inspires me, and I hope to continue my mother’s
work, helping women create better futures for themselves and
their families.

WHY ARC

Why I Chose Architecture

A square at the bottom, a triangle on top, a rectangle at the

bottom left of the square, and two smaller squares inside the
larger one, this was the house I drew repeatedly as a child. I
couldn’t draw cars or flowers, but I could always draw a house,
complete with stick figures of families. Even then, I saw homes
not just as structures but as places where lives unfolded.

At 12, my family’s circumstances shifted. My parents, enjoying

financial stability, decided to help their extended family. Our
home transformed as cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents
moved in with us. It was a busy household filled with love and
shared experiences. Living in such a bustling household, I
witnessed firsthand how spaces could nurture relationships and
support shared experiences.

Four years later, I stepped into a leadership role. My parents’

work required frequent travel, leaving me in charge of our
household and farm operations. Overnight, I became responsible
for my sister’s well-being—ensuring she was healthy, happy, and
excelling in school. I also managed workers on the farm,
overseeing the efficient use of supplies and coordinating
processes. Balancing diverse needs in a shared space deepened
my appreciation for how design can facilitate harmony and
functionality. These responsibilities taught me discipline,
organization, and the ability to manage multiple needs while
fostering collaboration.
At 16, I would nearly fall off my seat in excitement during
engineering classes, captivated by lessons on Young's modulus
and the concepts of stress and strain in bridge construction. I was
always the first to volunteer, eager to show my friends how the
welding machine worked or to take the risk of sharpening my
pencil on the sander. These moments of hands-on learning
bridged my fascination with engineering and my passion for
creating functional, beautiful spaces, solidifying my realization: I
was meant to be in the field of architecture.

Curiosity and creativity fuel my love for architecture. Walking into

a building, I instinctively wonder about its design. Who envisioned
this space? How was it constructed? What inspired its unique
features? I remember marveling at my school library’s roof,
designed like a giant flower that harmonized with the space
despite the building’s height. Similarly, I’ve often pondered how
structures are organized. Why is the kitchen always next to the
dining room? Why are bathrooms often adjacent to toilets? These
lingering questions inspire me to explore the intersection of
functionality and beauty.

University is the natural next step in my journey. It will provide

the tools I need to turn childhood sketches into meaningful
structures—homes, schools, and hospitals—that enrich lives. I aim
to move beyond the stick figures and rudimentary shapes of my
youth to create spaces that reflect and enhance the human
experience.

Ultimately, architecture is the perfect way for me to blend my

creativity with my understanding of community. I want to design
homes and spaces where people feel truly connected, safe, and
inspired, just like I did growing up in a house filled with family.
Having the chance to learn from someone like David Adjaye, a
Ghanaian-British architect whose work and teachings at Cornell
reflect his cultural roots, would make my journey feel even more
personal. I’m excited to continue growing and exploring my
passion for architecture at Cornell, where I can finally turn my
childhood dreams into reality.

Ultimately, architecture allows me to combine my love for

creativity with my deep understanding of community. Through
design, I want to shape homes and spaces where people feel
connected, secure, and inspired—just as I did growing up in a
house filled with family. Lastly, being taught by an African like
David Adjaye, whose lectures and seminars at Cornell reflect his
British-Ghanaian roots, would not only bring a sense of home but
also inspire and drive my architecture journey and I’m excited to
fuel my passion with all Cornell has offer

RICE UNIVERSITY

I discovered Rice whilst looking for summer programs in my lower

six class, and everything appealed to me, I fell in love with the Sid
Richardson College and their activities. My yearning to be a
sidizen grew even more after following their activity on social
media, watching activities like jack night and Camp-O week, as
someone who loved school tradition even at my current school I
knew I would fit in there.

Additionally, Sid Richardson’s quest to be more inclusive added

onto the love for the school, as an international student it is
relieving to know that I will have people that relate to as they will
be experiencing their next chapter of life far from home as well,
coming from similar backgrounds making Rice feel like home.

I’m excited to spend my time in Fondren library, with the

ponchos, working on my architecture projects enjoying the
Houston weather as a fellow owl.

I discovered Rice University while searching for summer programs

during my lower sixth year, and it immediately captivated me. Sid
Richardson College stood out, and my desire to become a Sidizen
grew after following events like Jack Night and Camp-Ω Week on
social media. As someone who values school traditions, I knew
Rice would be a great fit.

Sid Richardson’s focus on inclusivity also drew me in. As an

international student, it’s reassuring to know I’ll be surrounded by
people who share similar experiences of navigating life far from
home. This sense of community will make Rice feel like a second
home.
I’m excited to spend time in the Fondren Library, working on
architecture projects and enjoying the Houston weather. I look
forward to joining Rice’s vibrant community as a fellow owl and
contributing to its traditions.

WHY ARC AR RICE

As a child, I drew a house with stick figures of families, seeing
homes as places where lives unfolded. At 12, my family's
circumstances changed, and their home transformed into a busy
household filled with love and shared experiences. Balancing
unique needs in a shared space deepened their appreciation for
design. At 14, I became fascinated with engineering and the
passion for creating functional, beautiful spaces.
My curiosity and creativity fuel my existence, often wondering
about building designs and how structures are organized. I plan to
attend university to turn childhood sketches into meaningful
structures, such as homes, schools, and hospitals, that enrich
lives. I aim to create spaces that reflect and enhance the human
experience, moving beyond the stick figures and rudimentary
shapes of my childhood.
Dear Ms. Mwazozo,
Thank you for believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. In
Form 1, I spent almost the entire year avoiding the water, terrified
of swimming. Yet, instead of giving up on me, you gave me the
role of class assistant, allowing me to stay on land while gently
encouraging me to observe and learn.
You celebrated the small victories of others and shared their
progress with me. One day, with your unwavering support, I found
the courage to step into the pool. Slowly but surely, I learned to
float, then swim, and finally thrive in the water. When you
promoted me from a "duck" to a "dolphin," it wasn’t just a title, it
was a symbol of what perseverance and guidance could achieve.
You taught me that no challenge is insurmountable if I approach it
step by step, easing myself into discomfort until it becomes
second nature. This lesson has stayed with me far beyond
swimming and continues to guide me in everything I do.
For your patience, motivation, and belief in my potential, I am
forever grateful.
Sincerely,
Lisungu Chirwa

Dear Ms. Mwazozo,

Thank you for believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. In
Form 1, I spent almost the entire year avoiding the water, terrified
of swimming. Yet, instead of giving up on me, you gave me the
role of class assistant, allowing me to stay on land while gently
encouraging me to observe and learn.
You celebrated the small victories of others and shared their
progress with me. One day, with your unwavering support, I found
the courage to step into the pool. Slowly but surely, I learned to
float, swim, and finally thrive in the water. When you promoted
me from a "duck" to a "dolphin," it wasn’t just a title, it was a
symbol of what perseverance and guidance could achieve.
You taught me that no challenge is unconquerable if I approach it
step by step, easing myself into discomfort until it becomes
second nature. This lesson has stayed with me far beyond
swimming and continues to guide me in everything I do.
For your patience, motivation, and belief in my potential, I am
forever grateful.
Sincerely,
Lisungu Chirwa

At Penn, I aim to engage with a variety of communities to both

expand my perspective and contribute meaningfully. Joining
organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha will allow me to connect
with a network of women dedicated to service and empowerment,
and being part of the student government will help me develop
leadership skills to advocate for change on campus.

In addition, as an Oxbridge Essay Competition winner, I bring a

passion for critical thinking and academic excellence, which I look
forward to sharing with my peers through discussions and writing
opportunities. I hope to join The Daily Pennsylvanian to further
sharpen my writing skills and highlight important global issues.

I also plan to explore the Penn Soccer Club, where I can foster
teamwork and collaboration, and the Blockchain Club, which
offers an opportunity to dive deeper into technology and its
potential for social impact. These experiences will not only allow
me to develop valuable skills but also provide the foundation for
making a tangible impact in my community and beyond after my
time at Penn. Ultimately, I aim to gain the knowledge and
networks necessary to teach others, just as my mother has
inspired me.
………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………….

UPenn is not just a school but a thriving community with

deep-rooted traditions, and I am eager to become a part
of it. In high school, I loved studying late into the night
with friends, serving as an ambassador for the YYAS/YYGS
summer programs, and participating in house dinners and
Christmas gatherings—experiences that fostered a sense
of connection. These moments echo the collaborative
study sessions in UPenn’s group study rooms, the vibrant
events like Spring Fling and Homecoming weekends, and
the community-building activities such as the Peer
Advisor programs, which I’m excited to engage in.

At UPenn, I envision myself immersing in both the

academic and social aspects of university life. I look
forward to taking courses with renowned architects like
Dorit Aviv and Winka Dubbeldam, whose expertise will
help shape my architectural perspective. I also can’t wait
to make Pennsylvania my new home, experiencing
everything from dining at the gourmet grocer to enjoying
a match at the UPenn Club tennis. Above all, I am excited
to contribute to and thrive within the unique, community-
centered environment that UPenn offers, fostering
meaningful connections along the way.

Most of my memories are connected to buildings,

memories with my family happen at home, memories
with my friends at school, in a restaurant or in their
homes, memories with my doctors happen in the hospital,
that is how I remember moments, when I explain to a
friend about something they did or said, I usually say the
institution because it makes it easier to remember, that is
why I have a connection with architecture, the idea that a
building can mean so many things, I want to design that
place, where a family get married, has christmas with
their children, has a thanksgiving dinner with the
extended family. That is what drives me to the field.

have always joked about school being my second home

considering that I spend more time there than at home
and seeing that Syracuse is going to be my next home, I
love that it will have elements of home, the presence of a
African students union where I can network with people
with the same goals as mine, which are to gain certain
skills that Africa lacks and bring them back to develop our
respective countries and communities, the presence of
the alpha kappa alpha sorority, that I plan to join and
connect with like-minded black women, devoted to the
community around them, just like I have been throughout
high school by offering a hand in my community I
whenever I could and I hope to continue so at Syracuse,
another element I love is the study abroad programs, that
will enable me to gain knowledge from all parts of the
world and gain a unique perspective because I believe
you can never stop learning. I love interactive lessons,
that is why I loved my IGSCE enginnering classes and how
my teacher would have us use the lathe machine or the
sander and Syracuse is known for its interactive
architecture classes and it is my dream to have that
experience.

JOB EXPERIENCE/ EXTRACURRICULAR

In my sixth year of high school, I was appointed as head of house, which
meant that I was responsible for the 89 girls in the house. The role meant
that I would work with and overlook 3 other prefects in the house that were
in charge of a corridor with 23 of the girls.
Firstly, I was to motivate the house to be put a hundred percent effort in all
they did from academics, sports and any house events meaning house
games, house dance, house dinner, inter-house drama, swimming gala and
fashion show with our brother house.
Additionally, one of my roles was to ensure smooth sailing of all daily
activities, that they are leaving for class on time, that the lines in the dining
hall were ordered, I was in charge of making the duty Rota so that all the
prefects knew their roles. In this role I learnt multiple skills like time
management-because I had to balance this responsibility alongside my
schoolwork, coordination and teamwork to name a few.
One of my most notable duties, is planning the annual inter-house dinner,
but I and the head of house of Chilowa would work together and choose a
team of 15 people and plan this event for approximately 200 of our
housemates and 50 or more teachers, from fundraising, décor, food, awards
for the ceremony and guests of honor

During my sixth year of high school, I held the position of head of the house,
assuming responsibility for 89 girls. The role also meant that I would work
with and oversee three other prefects in the house who were in charge of a
corridor with 23 of the girls.In this role I learnt communication, it is what
makes it easier to work together efficiently and harmounously.
Firstly, I was to motivate the house to put a hundred percent effort into all
they did, from academics and sports to any house events, meaning house
games, house dances, house dinners, inter-house drama, swimming gala,
and fashion shows.I learnt flexibility, different people are motivated in
different ways, some needed an oral push and some wanted to be rewarded
through house points and I had to work with that
Additionally, one of my roles was to ensure smooth sailing of all daily
activities, that they were leaving for class on time, and that the lines in the
dining hall were ordered. I was in charge of making the duty rota so that all
the prefects knew their roles. In this role, I learned multiple skills, like time
management, because I had to balance this responsibility alongside my
schoolwork, coordination, and teamwork, to name a few.
One of my most notable duties is planning the annual inter-house dinner, but
I and the head of the house of Chilowa (our brother house) would work
together and choose a team of 15 people and plan this event for
approximately 200 of our housemates and 50 or more teachers, from
fundraising, décor, food, awards for the ceremony, and guests of honor.

During my sixth year of high school, I held the position of head of the house,
assuming responsibility for 89 girls. The role also meant that I would work
with and oversee three other prefects in the house who were in charge of a
corridor with 23 of the girls. In this role I learned about communication; it is
what makes it easier to work together efficiently and harmoniously.
Firstly, I was to motivate the house to put a hundred percent effort into all
they did, from academics and sports to any house events, meaning house
games, house dances, house dinners, inter-house drama, swimming gala,
and fashion shows. This was where I learned flexibility; different people are
motivated in different ways. Some needed a verbal push, and some wanted
to be rewarded through house points, and I had to work with that.
Additionally, one of my roles was to ensure smooth sailing of all daily
activities, that they were leaving for class on time, and that the queues in
the dining hall were ordered. I was in charge of making the duty rota so that
all the prefects knew their roles. In this position, I learned multiple skills like
time management, because I had to balance this responsibility alongside my
schoolwork, coordination, and teamwork, to name a few.
One of my most notable duties is planning the annual inter-house dinner,
where I and the head of the house of Chilowa (our brother house) would work
together and choose a team of 15 people and plan this event for
approximately 200 of our housemates and 50 or more teachers, from
fundraising, décor, food, awards for the ceremony, and guests of honor.

At Virginia Tech, I aim to engage with a variety of communities to

both expand my perspective and contribute meaningfully. Joining
organizations like Alpha Kappa Phi will allow me to connect with a
network people dedicated to service and learn how give back to
my country, Malawi, and being part of the undergraduate student
senate will help me develop leadership skills to advocate for
change on campus.

In addition, as an Oxbridge Essay Competition winner, I bring a

passion for critical thinking and academic excellence, which I look
forward to sharing with my peers through discussions and writing
opportunities. I hope to joining creativiTea to further sharpen my
writing skills and highlight important global issues.

I also plan to explore the Virginia Tech Soccer Club, where I can
foster teamwork and collaboration, and be part of the black
students in STEM, which offers me opportunity to dive deeper into
technology and its potential for social impact. These experiences
will not only allow me to develop valuable skills but also provide
the foundation for making a tangible impact in my community
and beyond after my time at Virginia Tech. Ultimately, I aim to
gain the knowledge and networks necessary to teach others, just
as my mother has inspired me