English - The Pathway to a Career by Emily

English - The Pathway to a Career by Emily - August 2016 Scholarship Essay

Of all the subjects which have challenged me academically in high school, English by far stands out the most. Through my honors and advanced placement English classes I have acquired many skills. These skills have helped me grow through analyzing pieces of literature, writing formal essays, proofreading, learning rhetorical strategies and how to use them, and most importantly, English has provided me with the hope for a possible career.
English itself is an invitation to use your mind and picture the story which you are reading, or writing/creating. Through this subject I have learned more about the type of writer I am and what form(s) of writing suit me best. For example, in my advanced placement English language and composition class we did a lot of essays where we were required to write in certain formats. Using rhetorical devices and strategies and analyzing famous works and essays, especially essays which pertain to politics, were very difficult for me. Whenever we were able to write creatively, I really was able to see a future for myself in writing. My favorite assignment was my junior year in my advanced placement English class. We read a story which a man wrote based off of a painting he saw. My teacher gave us all random pictures and we were able to create our own stories from them. I wrote one of the best poems I had ever written that day, and I am beyond thankful for that assignment.
Not only have I been using my English skills through other subjects, I have also put those skills to good use by obtaining a job with our local newspaper, The Cherokee Scout. I presented an idea to my boss, and now I have a weekly column in the newspaper. Through this opportunity, I have really been thinking about my future and all which could be in store. Writing for a newspaper, magazine, or even writing my own books could be an option for me. None of this could have been possible without my previous knowledge of English which I have been taught so thoroughly during my high school years.
Without bettering myself, though my English classes, there is no way I would be where I am today as a student, and as a writer. Without all of the skills I have acquired and all the famous works of literature I have read, there would be no way for me to have a future in English and writing and I would never have found the love for the subject that I have today. Being able to tell others about my love for reading and writing and how I have learned so much as a student is very heartwarming and brings me joy. I hope all students can find the love I have for reading and writing. The most beautiful thing is being able to see your writing in print. The ability to write down your feelings and emotions and transform them into a story is something I am truly grateful that I have found.