Heading to the Ivy League

Julianna Mokaya graduated from Walter Payton College Prep High School and will attend Princeton University in the fall majoring in molecular biology and minoring in global health. “I like understanding how things work and I ask a lot of questions. Biology is strong in inquiring and trying to learn about how things work. That’s why I’m interested in the subject. I like to understand the background behind things and how things are pieced together, and I feel like Biology is a cool field to do that in, said Mokaya. 

When applying for college, Julianna mentioned that her choice to apply for Ivy Leagues was “I honestly just applied because I never wanted to wonder if I would be able to get in, so I applied to three Ivy leagues; I applied to Harvard, Yale, & Princeton and I was surprised and happy when I got into all three,” said Mokaya. 

She also mentioned that she wanted to be challenged in her education environment and wanted to learn more about different cultures. “I’m passionate about learning languages and I want to study abroad in college.  I worked hard in high school and took rigorous courses and I believed that I wanted to be challenged in an environment with other students who worked hard and were dedicated to academics. So I said these places would be a great place for me, so why not try for it which led me to apply” said Mokaya. 

Julainna’s passion for education is inspired by her grandfather and his passion for higher education. “My father is from Kenya, and his father, my grandfather, was passionate about education. That was the main thing he told his kids and he applauded anyone who was pursuing higher education. So I think my inspiration comes from him and my family because they always encouraged me to pursue higher learning,” said Mokaya.

When asking Julianna how her environment has shaped her identity she mentioned the roots of her family’s past have encouraged her to look at life from a different perspective and she expresses gratitude for the opportunities she’s been given. “I think my background as a daughter of an immigrant has impacted my perspective on life. I go into things with a different kind of mindset because knowing the challenges that my family has faced in the past and how I was able to reach the point that I’m at. I always have this thought in the back of my mind about the blessings I was given even when I’m having hard times or even when things don’t go my way. I always remember that I’m very blessed that God has given me a lot of resources that other people aren’t fortunate to have. So taking advantage of those has been a big thing, anytime I get an opportunity I want to take advantage of it,” said Mokaya. 

For future career goals, Julianna mentioned that she’s working towards becoming a physician but she’s open to change. “I want my job to involve working with people and helping others so I think that would be a good combination of my interests,” said Mokaya. 

As a Pursue Scholar, Julianna is looking forward to being supported in her spiritual development. “One of the things I like about  [Pursue Scholars] is that it involves a Christian community so I’m excited to network and meet other people who are like me and from Chicago. I want to connect with people who can kind of help mentor me and help me transition my faith life to college. That is something I want to keep as a priority, but I know it would be hard to adjust to. I been going to the same church for 16 years so it would be a big change to move somewhere else and I have to find a new church and a new community, so I’m looking forward to that support," said Mokaya.

Stories like Julianna's are the reason we are grateful for Pursue partners like you. Your gift to Pursue Scholars today will be actively investing in young Chicago leaders and help them embark on a journey that will truly lead to change.