Educate yourself to freedom by Emma

Educate yourself to freedom by Emma - October 2022 Scholarship Essay

Education is “the process of giving or receiving systematic instruction”. Oh how we hate it as children, forced to sit in rows of uncomfortable chairs and learn our long and short vowels, multiplication tables, and about our forefathers. I was no different as a young person, but as I grew I began to understand the importance of education and the freedom that comes with it. As a first-generation college student and a first-generation high school graduate, education means breaking cycles, the opportunity to be independent; not living in a reality where other people control you, but the ability to think for yourself. To me, education means freedom.
As a sophomore in college education is my life, I eat, sleep, and breathe late-night studying sessions, economics classes, paper writing, and a library that is always just a little too cold. Each of these things I say with gratitude because these are not things that everyone has the opportunity to receive. I am proud of my education, it is a big part of who I am, and who I intend to be. As a life long learner I strive for education far beyond my years in high school, college, and graduate school. To me, education means a lifestyle.