Learning to Learn by Alyssa

Learning to Learn by Alyssa - March 2019 Scholarship Essay

There is an equation I want you to memorize. I did not learn it in a math course or in a classroom, but it has changed my school experience and I know it can change yours, too. It goes something like this: putting forth effort + being teachable = being unstoppable.

This was not how I started out my high school experience. The only thing I was being my freshmen year of high school was terrified. I was shy, had trouble reading, did not like being around others, and struggled with most of my courses. Fast-forward to me as a college student and I’m making all A’s and loving the experience. What changed? My IQ did not change, my learning style did not change, and my overall capabilities did not change. What did change was my attitude. I realized I wasn’t Einstein or Edison, so I decided I was going to focus on learning to learn. I did not have to be the best, I just had to try my best, so I could be my best. Whoever and wherever you are, I would encourage you to let your school experience teach you scholastically, socially, and holistically.

Remember that equation? The first factor was effort. One of my favorite quotes is by Kevin Durant, which states: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” The great thing about becoming a teachable person is that it does not require talent or skill; it just takes investment. This is good news since a work ethic is something anyone can develop, whether you struggle with or ace your classes.

The second factor in the equation is being teachable. Being teachable starts with—and is primarily comprised of—knowing where you are strong and where you are weak. This awareness increases future successes and decreases repeating the same mistakes. For example, I had to ask teachers, parents, and peers to look at my work and give honest feedback. I had to ask questions until I understood a concept. If I got a poor grade on an assignment, I went back to my teachers and asked two questions: “What could I have done differently on this assignment to get a better grade?” and “How can I improve in the future?” I would then gather all the feedback and honestly evaluate my work. I had to learn that it is ok to acknowledge that I made mistakes and was wrong. However, the more I did look at my mistakes, the less frequently I needed to.

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses socially and personally helps you grow into more of the person you want to be. This is a unique and wonderful time in your life, so enjoy friendships, learn new skills, go on adventures, and enjoy the process of learning outside of the classroom. These extra-curricular experiences can shape and develop you more than almost anything else will.

As I contemplate another year of school ahead, I do not know what it will bring. But I do know it will be a good experience because I’m there to compete with myself and learn. I am going to let my classes, classmates, and challenges teach me just like they have in the past to become a better student and person. As you face your freshmen year, I hope your school experiences help you learn to learn so you can finish your first year in high school as a more confident, capable, and well-equipped individual to face your bright future.