How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they ...

How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” When I was younger, I often proclaimed, “I am going to be the best ‘gamester’ in the world,” as I spent countless hours in awe of video games. However, a meaningful answer to this omnipresent question took shape during my high school years as I gained exposure to technology and business. A turning point came in 2020, when I turned a hobby of custom shoe painting into a company called Togakicks Inc. (www.togakicks.com), delivering custom sneaker and apparel design services. Simultaneously, my exposure to computing started with Khan Academy courses, where my first “Hello World” project marked the start of many “ah ha!” moments. Therefore, I intend to study computer science and business economics at UChicago in pursuit of becoming a tech entrepreneur. At UChicago, I can build off of the technical knowledge I have gained thus far. During high school, I deepened my understanding of machine learning (ML). For instance, I developed ML models at the Horizon Academic Research program to evaluate NBA player performance by predicting past Most Valuable Player (MVP) winners. Working with Dr. Parsa Akbari from the University of Cambridge, I made my findings interpretable by publishing a research paper (https://doi.org/10.47611/harp.207). In the future, I intend to use ML for sports injury forecasting by expanding Togakicks’ product line to include IoT-based shoes; these shoes will track data on athletes’ body mechanics and detect abnormal stress levels on muscles and tendons. UChicago can help me with this pursuit through a course like Inventing and Engineering Interactive Devices (CMSC 23220). Similarly, in the Machine Learning and Large-Scale Data Analysis (CMSC 25025) class, I can learn how to build ML models to detect and predict potential injuries, such as stress fractures. Furthermore, research opportunities will help me apply what I learn to the real world. My customers often come to me for design inspiration. Thankfully, the Inspirit AI program during high school exposed me to the power of computer vision and design. At UChicago, the Introduction to Computer Vision (CMSC 25040) class and research with Professor Rana Hanocka at the 3DL lab will give me a chance to compose computer vision software for generating unique 3D shoe and apparel designs. Beyond product development, UChicago’s entrepreneurial resources will assist in scaling Togakicks; a course like Building the New Venture (BUSN 20330) will provide valuable guidelines on how to do so. Furthermore, the BUILD Accelerator at the Polsky Center will educate me on product-market fit and techniques for market validation. I’ll learn new skills in marketing strategies, sales, and competitive analysis through the Entrepreneurship Essentials workshop series as well as courses like Marketing Management (BUSN 20600). With the help of the College New Venture Challenge, I’ll pitch my business model to investors to raise seed funding. Outside the classroom, I’m excited to continue my interest in Bollywood dance and painting. As part of UChicago Bhangra, I’ll connect with my Punjabi roots while establishing a close bond with my fellow dancers. Also, I plan on introducing custom shoe painting to the Kitchen Sink Club at weekly painting sessions in the Logan Art Center. UChicago nurtures an innovative interdisciplinary learning environment, where I’m excited to be the architect of my academic and career vision.