My College Dream by Carmen

My College Dream by Carmen - June 2013 Scholarship Essay

The first twelve years of my formal education has followed a prescribed listing of classes the state has determined every student should take in order to graduate and eventually attend a post-secondary educational facility.  If I were to simply quit with a high school diploma, there are few, if any, real opportunities for me which would result in long-term growth.  I could work at any number of fast food restaurants or chain department stores; I could enter the military as an enlisted soldier.  The real opportunities for advancement require more education than a high school diploma.  While I respect and admire the hourly workers in the restaurants and the soldiers who sacrifice so much for their love of our country, I am considering my long-term goals of having a good job with decent pay and health insurance.  I don’t understand how some of these plans work yet, but I have watched my parents and listened as they discussed their health insurance coverage, sick leave and vacation leave benefits, and retirement plans.  I have some relatives who don’t have any of these benefits and I have observed the differences in their lifestyle with the one that my parents have worked for; I want to look forward to a future where I will have an affordable mortgage (instead of rent), a nice car, and yearly vacations.  I want to have benefits with my career and I want to have the opportunity to advance with my company.  Maybe one day I’ll start my own company.  It is true that some people succeed even though they did not graduate from college, but I believe they are the exceptions.