An Educational Journey by Alicia

An Educational Journey by Alicia - December 2014 Scholarship Essay

Ever since I was in elementary school, education has had a huge impact on my life, definitely shaping me into who I am today. I considered school my 'work' for a couple years in elementary since I wanted to be like my dad who went to work every morning. Overall, three aspects of education has made me the person I am today - challenging myself throughout the years, participating in organizations through my school that added to my personality, and attending a Christian university.

First, my academic achievement throughout my high school career was maintaining a 4.000 GPA, straight A’s, and taking four dual credit classes – Government, Physics, two English, and Advanced Debate. I challenged myself by holding a goal of being a valedictorian of my graduating class – and I reached it. Taking online classes to graduate early during the school year also challenged me, since I was graduating a year early. These challenges that I took on, and achieved, definitely helped shape me into me because it gives me strength and determination to always do the best I can with everything I have during college.

Throughout my high school career, I was involved in multiple extra-curricular activities. I was a member of the Speech and Debate Team and the concert and marching band, having been in both from 2011-2014. I was section leader of 12 flutes for two years in Marching Band. I played basketball in my freshman year, the fall and winter of 2011. I was also vice president in the National Junior Honor Society in 2011-2012 and was also a member of the National Honor Society. Girl Scouts was, and still is, a huge part of my life. For my Gold Award, I founded a non-profit organization called Forever Life that prevents suicide through journals. These extra-curricular activities are now all part of my personality because I spent so much time devoting myself to them that a little piece of my heart belongs to each one of these activities.

After graduating with valedictorian status, I am attending Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. There, I plan to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, and a minor in Business with a concentration in accounting. After graduating college, I plan on either going into the Air Force as an officer or being an employer of Logos Bible Software, because I love working for the Lord and living His will for me. Attending a Christian university is growing me into a stronger Christian because God is plainly in sight and I don't necessarily have to 'hide' my faith in Him. As a result, it has grown me closer to God so we have a better relationship.

In conclusion, I believe education is the main foundation for success. Even though some very successful individuals didn't have the education that I have had and am currently undertaking, I believe that education is the main reason for a large part of my personality and for the success that is to come, hopefully. Attending a Christian university has changed me into a better person, including Christ in everything more than before. Participating and leading extra-curricular activities has turned me into a leader and given me the social skills I now possess. Last but not least, challenging my academic level has given me a strong determination to solve problems that I encounter and to put forth the best effort that I can give in everything I do. Education is definitely the way to the future, and generations to come should believe in the good that it can bring.