Columbia calls to star student of Allen Glen High School
ALLENS NEK – Past schoolchild at Allen Glen High School prepares for Columbia University
Last year’s Dux and matriculant of Allen Glen High School, Kalisa Ndamage, will take the next steps for his future on foreign soil.
Ndamage was accepted by Columbia University in the City of New York in mid-March and has since been preparing for his departure in August. Not only was he accepted, but he received a full scholarship and a ‘likely letter’ from the university, a letter of early acceptance given to a few students to encourage them to go to the university.
However, Ndamage’s tenacity, hard work and support from his family, teachers and friends is what led to his successful application. Ndamage explained there was a lot of paperwork to get through, essays to write and tests to study for, such as the SATs (Scholastic Assessment Test) which is essential for acceptance to American universities.
Among others, he thanks his Grade 12 English teacher, Joy Williams, for her help and support. Without her, Ndamage said he would not have written the college essays that helped grant his acceptance. His guidance councillor, Lucille O’Brien, added that although the teachers at Allen Glen did assist him in his endeavours, he still had to ‘climb half the mountain himself’.
Through the process he said he learnt about himself and it helped him set clear goals. Ndamage applied for a degree in chemical engineering and is interested in researching desalinisation. Although he applied to other Ivy League schools in America, he had his heart set on Columbia because it is located in New York and the amount of internship and research opportunities he would be exposed to are numerous compared to other institutions.
“From my experience I would like to tell people there are no limits. Always push yourself. There is no harm in trying and you can achieve anything you put your mind to. It is important to believe in yourself and know it is worthwhile to apply yourself if you have the passion.” he said.
Ndamage believes you have to seek opportunities for your own growth and make your own life exciting.
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