We Learn Together by Ernie

We Learn Together by Ernie - January 2014 Scholarship Essay

When I was a senior in high school, I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The truth is that it centered on so much more than studying and teaching, but also involved a friendship that will last forever. I was very blessed to be placed right next to a new friend in my chemistry class. I wanted to help her learn because I knew that I could do it. At the end of class ofq the first or second day of sitting with her, I kept thinking about how I was going to help her. Later, after the course had been complete, I learned that our teacher had placed us together because she knew that I may be able to help her learn. I received the highest grade I had gotten in high school in that course and it was because I made sure I had learned so that I could teach her. The best and most helpful experiences that I have had with studying involve helping others to learn as well.

The reality of this is that this started when I was a sophomore in high school in my algebra course. There, I sat between two girls who I helped daily to complete classwork. I was learning it all with them and it helped me to remember the mathematical processes by explaining them to others. Now, as a college student, I am a student tutor in our Learning Center on campus. I was given this opportunity after successfully completing the Emergency Medical Technician program here. My strength is helping students within this program and also helping students conduct research and write papers. I am constantly learning new things because of this, especially regarding research. There are many times that I do not know how to do something, such as cite a certain source in a paper. Upon looking this up for the student, I teach them and also learn myself, which helps me in my studies.

What this all follows is the concept that teaching is an excellent way to learn. The college classroom does not always allow such opportunities for students to help each other to learn right in the classroom, but I always make it happen. It helps me to study and to learn in two ways. Because I know that I will be called upon to help others, I make the effort to know and understand what knowledge or skills are presented. Also, simply showing other students and helping them learn and understand, continually keeps the ideas and concepts fresh in my mind and brings greater understanding each time. This is something that truly benefits all involved and is something that I am amazingly passionate about.