College: The Stepping Stone of Success by Antonio

College: The Stepping Stone of Success by Antonio - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

I am a firm believer that college and higher education are the foundation for a successful life. College is the first step for students to find a career or trade that they will thrive in and participate in an environment that opens their minds to new ideas and challenges their preconceived notions. The academic and social opportunities are the driving forces behind colleges’ existence because these learning environments provide lifelong networks. The value of attending college has remained constant throughout its inception because there is intrinsic value in the unparalleled atmosphere that higher education provides.
College teaches individuals how to manage risk and interact with others. For many students, college is the first time in their life that they are independent. This brings about a whole array of challenges but leaves students with a better idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Navigating an outside world is difficult and college prepares students for their life that lays ahead of them. Acquiring social skills is often overlooked but colleges prepare students for workplace interactions because professors create real-life scenarios in groups and students learn how to take charge and play different roles.
An important tenet of college is dealing with finances. The process to receive financial aid and use it is a daunting task that teaches students how to budget and manage their money. Financial literacy courses are available and often required for students which helps bolster their knowledge so that they can enter the world beyond academia with financial goals in mind. The worth of a college or university comes from its ability to empower students through the opportunities it provides through campus resources and academic work. The ability to navigate college puts students into a unique position wherein they can replicate this success in the outside world.
Courses in all fields will challenge students and implore them to expand their perspective on the world. General education courses ensure that each individual receives a well-rounded education and explore new areas of study. Students will also receive a specialized education in their major-related field and acquire the skills necessary to enter the workforce. College is the first time in an individual’s life that they can explore their interests in a structured manner that is conducive to their success. Study abroad opportunities and non-traditional course formats offer students that ability to take their learning to the next level and in a low-cost manner.