Revolutionary by Emily

Revolutionary by Emily - January 2018 Scholarship Essay

As a child, I was an observer of the human condition. Growing up in a large extended family, I often had to fight my way into a conversation. I learned to sit back and take in the discussion, waiting to formulate opinions before grabbing the conch. I think this forced position of observation allowed me to learn how to listen and consider and understand the critical difference between reaction and response. It has also made way for many intellectual curiosities and interests that I may have otherwise passed over in a rush to speak. This leads me to why I want to attend college.
I see college as an experience that will be revolutionary. Like most high school students, the curriculum offered in my school has been limited. It sticks to the basics, while emphasizing that students are being prepared for the future. There is little discussion of current events and controversial issues were pretty much ignored. Unflavored oatmeal is the entrée du jour. Even among my competitive peers, controversy beyond setting the curve or being elected historian, which would look good on one’s college application, are almost nonexistent. Any real gutsy discussion comes from my college classes or adults connected to the world.

My attraction to college is its revolutionary 180-degree contrast to my current world. I see college as the heart of reasonable dialog, mixed with passionate rebellion, tempered with academic inquiry and scientific evidence. I could extol the virtues of a college’s academics and research and world renowned professors, but I’d rather you know that I covet the opportunity to study at a place where I can explode. Don’t worry, I don’t mean this in a literal violent evoking nature, rather, explode as the avenues of my thinking break away from the confines of mediocrity and expediency and getting good grades and Saturdays in SAT prep where the answer is so much more important than the content. I see college as a place where I can let my ideas breathe,develop and expand, giving rise and passion to all sorts of other ideas.
College is a place where I can practice being an active member in society, discussing issues which may make other people uncomfortable. However, I believe it is this discomfort where people are able to grow and revolutionize.