Name: Megan Omolo
Class Year: 2025
Major: Political Science, Minor: Africana Studies
Hometown: Willingboro, NJ
Internship Organization: KenSAP
Internship Title: KenSAP Summer Instructor
Location: Eldoret, Kenya
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
Hello Bryn Mawr community, my name is Megan Omolo, and this summer I had the privilege of interning at the Kenyan Scholar Access Program (KenSAP). This highly selective college access program assists high-achieving, low-income Kenyan high school graduates in gaining admission to prestigious universities across the United States and Canada. During my time at KenSAP, I had the chance to work with this year's 32 scholars, preparing them for their upcoming SAT Reading and Writing exams, as well as developing a college-ready elective course, "Introduction to Shakespeare." Outside the classroom, I held regularly scheduled office hours, conscientiously planned lessons, connected with students, and explored parts of Kenya I had never had the opportunity to visit before.
Why did you apply for this internship?
As a rising fourth year student at Bryn Mawr College majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Identity and Difference, along with a concentration in Contemporary African Politics, I am deeply passionate about advocating for educational opportunities for young women and promoting East African excellence. Being a first-generation student with family in Kenya, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that young women in rural communities face when striving for a brighter future.
Many of my family members in Kenya have been unable to afford school fees, and discouraged from pursuing education in favor of providing for their families. Having the privilege to pursue opportunities that many of these young girls can only dream of, I am committed to advocating for resources and opportunities for those who deserve them the most. I am passionate about supporting students who are determined to overcome financial limitations and strive for a better life.
Was there anything special about how you found this internship?
Finding an internship that aligned with my personal interests and was based in Kenya proved to be quite the challenge. However, determined to make the most of my final summer in college, I sought out help from Jennifer Prudencio at the Career and Civic Engagement Center. With her assistance, I found several websites offering international internship opportunities for college students. After numerous emails and conversations, I connected with KenSAP, learned about the program's requirements and opportunities, and it has been smooth sailing ever since. I am incredibly grateful to Bryn Mawr for their funding and support, which has helped me to spend a summer in my motherland. This experience has greatly improved my Swahili language skills and allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant diversity of Kenyan culture, customs, and experiences.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
Although my summer interning at KenSAP was filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable moments, the most memorable experience was the day the students shared their poems in my "Introduction to Shakespeare" course. Tasked with creating their own poems after analyzing various Shakespearean sonnets, the students had the freedom to explore any poetic style of their choosing. Watching their creative process and dedication to the assignment, along with their exploration of themes like religion, love, and loss, was truly rewarding. One student even shared that writing poetry for the first time was a highlight of their KenSAP experience, sparking their passion for poetry and a desire to continue refining their skills. I initially doubted that I could make a significant impact in such a short time with students I had just met, but this experience has shown me that even brief encounters can leave a lasting impression. Though only eight weeks, I will always cherish the impact these bright scholars have had on my life.
What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn't expect?
During one of our many dinner conversations, I had the chance to speak with John Manners, one of KenSAP’s co-founders. When I mentioned my college, he was excited to discuss KenSAP’s long-standing relationship with Bryn Mawr College. Bryn Mawr was one of the first universities to welcome KenSAP scholars and among the earliest to have admissions officers visit and experience the program’s offerings. I was struck by the international impact of my small, historically women’s liberal arts college. It’s rare to meet people who recognize Bryn Mawr's numerous successes and achievements, highlighting how Bryn Mawr College's exceptional learning opportunities reach well beyond our own community.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at your internship?
The biggest challenge of my summer internship has definitely been the weather. When I first arrived in Eldoret, the forecast promised clear skies, but now it seems there's hardly a day when you’re not drenched by heavy rain. The above-average rainfall in the Rift Valley has forced me to adapt my schedule, trying to be as productive as possible outdoors in the morning while always preparing for potential power outages and Wi-Fi issues. Despite these difficulties, a silver lining has been the opportunity to disconnect from my phone and engage more deeply with fellow interns and students during these outages.
Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns that describe your internship experience?
Independent, Enriching, Transformative
Culture, Language, Home
What is most rewarding about your internship?
While I usually travel to Kenya with my family, being part of KenSAP has pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to build new friendships and gain experiences independently. I’m incredibly grateful to the KenSAP community, which I now consider family, for the opportunity to connect with students from across East Africa, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and take trips that have forged lifelong bonds. Although I was initially nervous about spending two months in Kenya on my own, traveling alone has taught me to plan trips efficiently, manage finances, and navigate unfamiliar surroundings. This experience has greatly boosted my confidence in exploring new places alone and making the most of each adventure, surrounded by amazing people and breathtaking sights.
Career & Civic Engagement Political Science Africana Studies