Experiences of a Lifetime by Emily

Experiences of a Lifetime by Emily - September 2024 Scholarship Essay

Growing up, my parents took every opportunity to provide a strong foundation of integrity and ambition. While they pushed us academically, they also instilled the belief that life events are invaluable educational instruments that help to mold the people we become. Throughout high school, I engaged in experiences that pushed me outside my comfort zone, gave back to my community, and grew me as an individual including 2 years of cheerleading and flag football, and 4 years of early childhood education and NJROTC where I served as Operations Officer, and Commander of the Unarmed Exhibition Team. I also earned my Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouts.
Each of these experiences serves as prime examples of non-traditional education that foster social growth and academic concepts. While I learned leadership skills and how to consider others’ strengths and weaknesses when working together, Sail Academy through NJROTC taught me the real-life application of geometry and physics when navigating a course with certain wind conditions and destinations. Through earning my Gold Award, I enhanced my research skills while exploring resources for non-traditional jobs, training opportunities, and women to interview who represent these industries. In addition, I also taught myself how to record and edit interview footage along with building a website to host this information. I could have taken a class at some point to learn these skills, but I discovered that if I can apply a skill I am learning to a passion, the more likely I am to retain the information and apply it to other tasks at hand.
While earning my nursing degree, experiential learning through clinicals and volunteer opportunities will better prepare me for the real-life situations I can expect to experience as a nurse. As this is my favorite way to learn, I’m truly looking forward to these opportunities.