The College Experience by Andrew

The College Experience by Andrew - January 2018 Scholarship Essay

People say you should go to college for many reasons, to get a respectable job, to provide for a family someday, or simply because “you’re just supposed to”. These reasons and more have been told to me by many people, but my reason to go to college is summed up in one word: experience. Merriam-Webster defines experience as “practical knowledge or skill … [gained] from direct observation of or participation in events or in a particular activity.” The knowledge and skills I gain in through college experiences will help me thrive in society. I am excited for the experiences college can offer to me.

I plan to pursue a degree in Engineering and the experiences I have in college will help me succeed in that career. Professors will provide the knowledge I need in my career. I have always had a passion for math and science and have known that Engineering was the right career for me since I was young. College offers me experience in the field and gives me more hands-on opportunities.

Not only I learn from the experiences in the classroom, but I will also learn from the experiences around the campus. College does not just offer classes, it also offers new opportunities. Creating new relationships is a skill I need for my career path, and college helps me improve that skill. Branching out from my small town circle will help me improve as a person as well. The roommates, professors, and friends I meet will influence me and help me to succeed, so creating a good relationship with them is important. These skills are just as valuable as the knowledge learned in the classroom.

As a high school senior, these college years are just around the corner. As nerve-racking as it may be, I am eager to start my future. I am not attending college because “I’m supposed to”, but rather, I am doing it to challenge myself, to better myself, and to experience new things. Experiences are important, and the experiences that college offers are the most important for the rest of your life.