Aavienda is heading to the University of Pennsylvania to study Political Science and Criminology. Aavienda explains how her passion for politics and various internships sparked an interest in understanding how politics and justice intersect to shape society. 

Did you take the IB or A Levels? 

I took the IB Diploma Programme. My Higher-Level subjects were Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Economics, and Global Politics, while my Standard Level subjects were English Literature, Spanish B, and Chemistry. 

Why the University of Pennsylvania? What factors influenced you to pick it over other options? 

I chose UPenn because it offered something I couldn't find anywhere else. Academically, its interdisciplinary approach allows me to explore the intersections between subjects I'm passionate about, particularly politics, public policy, and economics, rather than being confined to a single field. Beyond academics, I was really drawn to Penn's work hard, play hard culture. It struck me as a place where students are driven but also genuinely enjoy being part of the campus community. 

Why did you choose to pursue Political Science and Criminology, and what interests you most about the combination of the two subjects? 

I've always been fascinated by how societies create laws and the impact those laws have on both institutions and individuals. During my internship at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, I realised that Political Science would allow me to explore these questions from a policymaking and governance perspective. After I was fortunate enough to attend a Public Policy Symposium on Criminal Justice at Princeton University, I began to see how many issues within the justice system are deeply intertwined with political decision-making. Studying both disciplines allows me to better understand how political institutions shape society and how they can be reformed to create more equitable outcomes. 

What surprised you most during the university application process? If you could give one piece of advice to students currently applying to universities, what would it be? 

What surprised me most was just how unpredictable the university application process can be. No matter how much you prepare or plan, it's almost impossible to anticipate exactly how things will unfold. My biggest piece of advice is to keep an open mind throughout, as you end up where you're meant to be, even if you only realise it in hindsight. 

What are you most looking forward to about university life? 

I'm really looking forward to learning from experiences both inside and outside the classroom, particularly in areas and hobbies I haven't explored before. I'm also excited to meet new people from all over the world and to learn from my peers as much as I do from my classes. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time? 

While I don't have a concrete idea yet, in ten years' time I hope to be running my own start-up tackling meaningful social issues. Outside of my career, I hope I've continued to travel extensively and experienced different cultures.