College, The Doorway of Experience by Alejandro

College, The Doorway of Experience by Alejandro - June 2013 Scholarship Essay

​Attending college means a lot to me. First of all I am the first of my family to attend college, which makes me feel I have accomplished something for my family. Another thing attending college means to me is a sense of achievement. While others have simply given up, I am still fighting for my future. The college experience has enabled me to learn and reason. Though I have had to make various sacrifices to stay in school, it has been worth every bit of sweat I have lost.
​When I was in high school I was an average student, and also among the economically underprivileged. I was not the most preferable candidates to a university because I was not an excellent athlete or an overachiever. My savings were close to none, so that also discouraged me a bit. I decided to attend community college, which was the next best option to a university. It was at Irvine Valley College where I got a real taste of what college meant to me. This was the first time I had to pay for my tuition, as well books among other materials. College was so meaningful I even sold my bed to pay for my tuition. It was worth it even though I slept on the floor, with the occasional discomfort. Paying for college made it much more meaningful, as far as the effort I put in.  I was the first of my family to attend college, I was interacting with diverse people, I was learning, and I was being treated like a responsible adult.
After completing two years of general education I applied to several universities hoping to make my college experience a more meaningful job. During this time I also found a stable job which allowed me to continue appreciating my education through college. College has also made everything more meaningful because I have applied what I have learned to other things. For example I have applied my knowledge to my job as a security officer in terms of interaction and communication. I have also applied it to my volunteering experience as a Sheriff’s Explorer in terms of knowledge of the justice system.
In spring of 2013 I was accepted to the university of my choice, University of California Irvine. I will be attending UCI as a Criminology law and Society major in hopes of one day becoming a Peace Officer. It means a lot to me, that through my college experience, I have received knowledge, support from my family, and a sense of accomplishment. It was in college where I learned the meaning of asking for help.  I would not have seeked help from my teachers, counselors, or parents if it was not or my college experience. Putting aside my pride and shyness to ask for help is one of the most meaningful things I have done while attending college.