Learning To Be Human by Colin

Learning To Be Human by Colin - June 2024 Scholarship Essay

Informal learning is defined as “learning from experience that takes place outside formally structured, institutionally sponsored, classroom-based activities” (Macià & García, 2016). I had to look up the definition before beginning as I don’t typically think of education as informal. Once I found this definition, I realized that most of my day is filled with informal education. I am a student of a hybrid education. I am a dual-enrolled student. I take some classes at my high school, some at Lenoir Rhyne University, and some online at the local community college. The rest of my day is spent on the lacrosse field, running a community service organization (Hickory Helping Hands- look it up on Instagram), and mowing for my own lawn company (Colin’s Cuts).

My lacrosse background includes both my travel club team and my high school team. I am the captain of my high school team. This position taught me that just because you can play the game, does not always easily translate to being a good coach. I have enjoyed learning how to teach positions, plays, and various lacrosse concepts to beginner players. It has also taught me to lead through example. I take my role as captain very seriously and hope to leave the program better than when I started.

My lawn company taught me compassion. I have met some incredible people while working with my residential customers. Unfortunately, many of the homeowners are elderly individuals who suffer from illness, physical limitations, financial hard times, or loneliness. This has allowed me to better understand the population in my town. These families also inspired me to start Hickory Helping Hands. This organization reaches out to the community in the Spring and Fall, asking for volunteers and those in need of yard help. Volunteers are organized into groups and sent out to homeowners just needing a helping hand in their yard at no cost to them. This wonderful group of volunteers learns to give back to a community that always loves them back with thanks and smiles. The feeling after a Hickory Helping Hands event is hard to describe. I love that a small lawn company grew from compassion to action.

I hope to continue informal learning, teaching, taking action, and showing compassion in the future. These skills are teaching me to be a good human. I define a good human as one who takes the time to better understand problems and takes action to improve the lives of others. I love my town, and I am thankful that it is the canvas for my informal education.