tragedy to triumph by Bipa

tragedy to triumph by Bipa - September 2023 Scholarship Essay

While this question does not have an end-goal, if I were to have the authority (that I once did) to change my school in a positive way, I would return high school to its principle focus. In the 1970's and 80's, high school was all about preparing students for university. Graduating at the end of high school did not mean that you had gone through the same rigor and demanding curriculum as the university students did. Today's students are much too "underdeveloped" to be expected to cope with university. The task of high school is to prepare the young people for university.

Simply put, every teacher has to teach more than just the "core curriculum". The traditional high school will be made a mandatory four years course, but teachers will be encouraged to add material that is specific to the world of academia. This will provide students with much more in depth and insightful material. I plan to fund this through the largest cut in social welfare programs the country has ever seen. After all, if we are going to preserve the liberties of this country, we must protect the minds of our children.

This question reminds me of 2020-2021 when I was selected by CPS (Chicago Public Schools) as one of the 20 kids district-wide to collaborate with the Office of Student Protections, Title IX staff, and mentors to combat bias-based harm. By taking statistics and surveys from a sample from each grade level from our schools, and conferencing and debating in seminars with officials of power, we successfully implemented gender-neutral bathrooms and created more inclusive environments throughout the CPS. So for the "new" gender-neutral bathroom implementation that CPS has brought, thank our collective minds. Throughout the program, I learned how to effectively communicate with marginalized students and lead projects that aimed to create positive changes within the education system. We also spread awareness about microaggressions with the aim to recognize the significance of personal accountability and the need to address systemic issues like racism and bias.

You must've thought at one-point that over the years my goal just became broader and impractical.. but I can do it.. for us, students. Give me this leadership opportunity again and watch what more great changes I shall bring. Why mustn't you join me as well? Let's uplift and transform together!