The Bigger Picture by Evyn

The Bigger Picture by Evyn - June 2024 Scholarship Essay

You have to crawl before you can walk. You need a frame to build a house. You need bread to make a sandwich, depending on your definition of a sandwich. Nothing exists by accident; every object and being is the result of conscious efforts towards an ideal. This is the fundamental concept of education. Given a formal proxy-environment, students follow a curriculum of study to prepare them for the real world. As a student, I have noticed that this system is not infallible, and omits many integral life skills in its teachings. In such, I have found that much of my practical knowledge is from an informal education, which has played a large role in my academic success.
There is a saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. "Connections are immensely valuable in the real world, as I learned from my parents, the “professors” of my informal education. Being well-connected to individuals with useful skill sets or prior experience can be more beneficial than a standard education. Information and resources are more readily available, and do not depend on a classroom setting. The broader the network, the more access you have. Such relationships can open doors to opportunities that a formal education cannot. Having such relationships allowed me to make the honor roll several times in my academic career.
In both the real and academic world, preparation is of utmost importance. Whether it be a quiz or a job interview, the degree of preparation makes all the difference. From an early age, I was told the importance of having the necessary materials for a task, a foundational principle with more major applications. This came in the form of studying for exams or completing assignments ahead of time (the latter I often struggled with). As course material grew more difficult, preparation gradually became more important. In such, I attribute preparation to scoring well on my Advanced Placement exams as well as my normal courses.
My formal education has since ended, and I am preparing to enter a postsecondary institution to major in mechanical engineering. In addition, I prepare to enter the real world. While my responsibilities and coursework may change, the skills I learned are universal. So long I prepare for adversity, and arm myself with a network of support, I will withstand any challenges sent my way.