Gratification of the Mind by Brylee

Gratification of the Mind by Brylee - January 2018 Scholarship Essay

I aspire to attend college for the gratification of indulging upon the most valuable investment I could ever make in my future- both financially and personally. I want to become and accomplish so much more than I have been permitted in high school. Although I have appreciated the provided stepping stones that it may have accosted to me, I know that I shall not be sated by such a diploma. As a child, I had always had a thirst for knowledge. My mother gratifying and pacifying each eager embrace of literature until it spiraled into a churning obsession for my young mind. I am not insinuating that I was a miniature Einstein in my early stages of life, simply displaying that my active mind has never accepted any influx in knowledge provided to it. Therefore I wish to sate this desire by attending college, rather than falling under a mundane manner of life and abandoning every fiber of my nature in order to just get by. In fact, I refuse to "just get by" for the rest of my days, as my family has. I know all too well of my commitment once I have received a taste of something.

Also, it is not only the gratification of knowledge that coaxes me towards pursuing a college degree. It is the satisfaction of stepping outside of one's comfort zone and trekking out upon a college campus. You enter an enthralling world of fresh faces, diverse backgrounds, and varying worldwide views from credible minds like that of your own. To truly share such experiences with other likeminded individuals is a gratification in itself. Perhaps not to others, for some might attend for the sole desire to meet expectations and meld to the mold of life that most adhere to. Although I refuse to tamper my curiosities, meld my purpose to appease others, and to restrain my potential in life. I have never luxuriated in feeling confined to one path. Whether by financial difficulties or competitive obstacles and I do not intend to let these stop me now.

I believe attending college fosters this period of self-discovery that most students and developing adults experience as they flourish and mature. Though not always picture perfect and forgiving, college provides its occupants an opportunity to have a voice and to embrace the challenges that come with life. You are finally provided the hope to develop a better version of yourself and what more gratification can you receive than to look back at your experiences and delight in this jolt of reality? I want to use college as a catalyst for this change, no matter how minor or severe it might be.

I know very well that college shall not be the answer to instant gratification in some aspects. Nothing is perfect in life and yet, personally, I believe that this shall be my best experience to come. For no matter how much some may argue these facts, I am devoted to the thought that attending college provides many more experiences to individuals, and finding a way to fund this higher education now can pay off in a huge way in the years to come. I am more than willing to invest myself in building my knowledge in the coming years and dedicate my time to the preparation of my future. It is for these reasons that the pursuit of gratification fuels my desire to attend college.