Hard at Play by Elisha

Hard at Play by Elisha - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

The most important lesson I ever learned from a teacher was work now play later because it helped me stay focused, it helped me plan ahead, and it helped me discover the value of learning the basics.
When your a kid it's easy to think that you have forever to plan your future, so things like grade point averages and learning mathematics can seem unimportant and boring. I know when I was younger I often found myself daydreaming when I should have been studying or doodling when I should have been listening. One day however my art teacher told me something that I would hold with me through my life. She told me that If I worked hard to learn what I needed to build a bright future for myself that one day I would be able to do what I love as well as enjoy the benefits of being a dedicated student.

In opening, the lesson work now play later is an important one because it helps you concentrate on what you want out of life. Though I never forgot my eighth grade art teacher's wisdom there was a lot to distract me from my goals. Remembering her words convinced me that losing out on a few fun opportunities now and keeping my nose clean of any trouble would be rewarded in the end. Keeping my head down as well as trying my best at school helped me to get a better GPA then if i hadn't. I wanted to have stability in my life and not to struggle to pay for the things I need and wanted so I worked hard to accomplish that. Thus, learning to keep my eyes on the end goal is just one benefit of the lesson work now play later.

Secondly, another way that being taught to work now and play later has helped me is that it forced me to plan ahead. Teachers can teach you a lot, but they can't always be there to help you along. That is why knowing that you'll be rewarded in the end gives you motivation but no plan works if you don't take the steps to make it happen. My teacher made a lasting impression on me with what she said that day intentional or not. And just like that impression I count on my long term goals to push me to new heights. Without them I would not be were I am today.

Lastly, work now play later has taught me the value of learning the fundamentals. Without a strong foundation of knowledge, grasping the more complicated ideas would be difficult. Knowing your stuff is just one tear in accomplishing your goals but it is aurally the most important. If I hadn't decided to buckle down and learn what I needed to reach my end goal there would be virtually no way for me to succeed. Without succeeding to learn my work and dedication would be for nothing. Honestly, the only way to reach your goals is to work now and play later a philosophy taught to me by my teacher.

In conclusion, work now and play later is an important motto taught to me by my teacher that taught me to value the basics,focus on my dreams and goals, and plan my future. Most people my age prefer to go out and have fun while they are young but my teacher helped me realize that it's OK to enjoy yourself sometimes as long as you don't let it get in the way of your happiness in the long run. In closing, my teacher taught me to value both work and play when dealing with education.