With an Open Mind by Baylee

With an Open Mind by Baylee - October 2014 Scholarship Essay

Thinking about and ideal classroom, my mind races back to the first day- walking into the outsized jam-packed auditorium, where one thousand confused freshman were piled into this “classroom” with the initial optimism to learn. Being expected to pay attention in class has never been a challenge until I was forced to the very back row; struggling to see the screen, trying not to focus on all the students ahead of me, and trying to pick out what my professor was talking about- then I became doubtful and just like that, my brain turned off. This was not an example of my first choice classroom environment- it was far from that.

I am now a firm believer that environment is the key to learning. A classroom, to me, is not just about the idea of the perfect arrangement of desks and chairs- it is a place where optimistic students can be open to new ideas and concepts, something that no classroom can give based off pure physicality. That being said, the environment doesn't come from the classroom itself, but instead, the people who are in it. The professor does play a big part in creating this environment by passionately teaching the subjects and relating back to each student, but it’s not only the professors’ responsibility. We as students need to come in with a positive energy and an open mind.

Creating this positive and open learning environment encourages me to feel more comfortable about asking questions and understanding these new concepts. I am a very determined student and to be able to achieve at my education, it is my obligation to help create this environment and challenge others to do the same.

I have now learned how to adapt to new classrooms, environments and setting myself up for success by simply having a learning mindset. The whole world is a classroom if you open your heart to it.