Del Valle Senior Eden Ashenafi Earns 3 Ivy League Acceptances

In a momentous week filled with emotion and excitement, Del Valle Early College High School senior Eden Ashenafi received acceptance letters from three of the nation’s most prestigious institutions: Harvard University, Brown University, and Rice University. 

“It still surprises me sometimes,” Eden shared. “I’ll be walking down the hallway and suddenly think to myself, Wow, I actually got in.” Eden, a senior in the Del Valle Early College High School program, has maintained an impressive academic record while balancing a rigorous course load of Advanced Placement and dual credit classes. Through the Early College program, Eden will graduate with both her high school diploma and an associate’s degree — an achievement she’s worked toward since the ninth grade. 

Her week of acceptances began with Rice University. “They released decisions at 7 p.m., but I told myself to finish my assignment first,” Eden recalled. “Then I checked my email and saw, ‘Congrats, admitted student.’ I was shocked.” The following evening was Ivy Day — the highly anticipated date when Ivy League institutions release their admissions decisions. Eden began by checking Brown University: accepted! Then came the final letter — Harvard. “When the confetti animation popped up on the screen, I turned to my parents, and we all just stared at each other. It was overwhelming—in the best way.”

Beyond academics, Eden is a dedicated student leader in her campus community. She is involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, Red Cross Club, theater, and Women’s Empowerment, among other extracurriculars. Still, she believes the key to standing out in college applications lies in authentic involvement. “It’s not about joining every club,” she said. “It’s about being committed and genuinely interested in what you do. That’s what colleges are looking for.”

Many of Eden’s college application essays focused on her sense of identity, family, and community. As the eldest of four children in an Ethiopian-American household, she takes her role very seriously. "There’s a saying in Amharic that if the oldest does well, the rest will follow,” she said. “Knowing that my younger siblings and cousins are watching motivates me. It reminds me that what I do matters.”

Eden plans to major in biomedical engineering, combining her interest in technology and medicine. “I want to combine engineering and medicine to help people,” she explained. “I’m passionate about science and innovation, and I want to make a tangible impact.” But she’s not rushing to make a final college decision just yet. She's waiting to hear back on the prestigious Gates Scholarship before committing. 

In the meantime, Eden remains grounded and focused, often recharging by reading or watching her favorite shows. Her advice for other students? “Find balance. Push yourself academically, but also take time to rest. And pursue what genuinely interests you — not just what looks good on paper.” 

Eden’s journey in Del Valle started at Gilbert Elementary. She credits much of her success to her teachers, from her elementary math teacher to high school science and English mentors who encouraged her even when she doubted herself. “I’ve been in Del Valle since the end of second grade,” she said. “This community has shaped who I am. If I had gone to another district, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”