Offering Extra Inspiration by Deja

Offering Extra Inspiration by Deja - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Offering Extra Inspiration
Deja M. Branford

Traveling to other countries is an experience that never fails to mature students and tourists alike. As a student, studying the cultures, religions and even language of a country would certainly be an eye-opening experience.
I think it is important to relate to different people groups, and traveling as a student can give young adults the chance to come eye to eye with people with vastly different lifestyles than their own. All people have certain things in common whether they are from Indiana or India. Our tongues may not speak similar words; our bodies are accustomed to different climates and weather patterns; the cultures of the world are extremely varied in their patterns and habits. But even the smallest child in a country across the globe understands the meaning of a smile; anyone can appreciate the warmth of a welcoming embrace; and while our foods and table settings vary greatly, the message of hospitality is hard to misunderstand.
Studying abroad can be an opportunity for students to broaden their perspective on life, and help them get their “creative juices” flowing. So much that grows us in life, maturing us and making us who we are, depends on the new experiences and new thoughts that inspire us while our minds and hearts are young! It is so important for young people to work in fields that challenge, inspire, and mature them. Rubbing shoulders with foreign peoples is an excellent way to help them find exactly what that field might be.
However, I cannot say that studying abroad should necessarily be required as a mandatory course in order to receive any college degree. There are many factors that must be considered before a student can go abroad. Will their health or physical state (blindness, deafness, etc.) deter them from getting as much out of the experience as possible? What is their financial status? Do they have any desire to travel abroad? Are they part of the 25% of college students who have young families and jobs that they are responsible for?
I think it would be wise to consider that while studying abroad is an experience that many students would benefit from, requiring a semester of study abroad could hold some people back from being able to earn a college degree.
Furthermore, older students, and even some young students may already have found their inspiration, or may not have the time, skills, money, or desire to study abroad.
Would it not be best to simply continue offering the chance for extra inspiration, instead of forcing it on those who may not benefit from it?