Going to College: A Step Towards A Bright Future by Gargi

Going to College: A Step Towards A Bright Future by Gargi - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

As an avid reader, I've encountered the lives of many great people, from composers and artists to scientists and politicians. And the lives of Lincoln, Jobs, Gates, and others stand out as being extremely successful despite not going to college. That brings up the question: is it truly worth it to spend another four years getting a higher education?

The answer comes to mind rather quickly. A definitive yes, for the general population at least. While I accept and appreciate the fact that a small percentage of hardworking and brilliant individuals have changed the world without having a college degree, I challenge the idea that this means college is unnecessary. For the vast majority, college is a necessary stage of life that equips one to excel both professionally and personally.

The trade skills that one learns to work a job are only one aspect of a college education. A college education should be life-oriented, leaving one with a sense of purpose and meaning to life. As part of the general education requirements, a student goes through classes in a variety of fields, including English, math, language, and the social sciences. This gives a student a unique perspective on the attributes of each field. College promotes reflection and self-awareness, prompting a student to dig deep inside of their heart and learn about themselves! The time spent discussing and debating in class provides fodder for the mind, encouraging a student to prioritize knowledge at this point in life.

Along with self-reflection, college allows students to develop camaraderie with their fellow students, forming lasting bonds and friendships. These interpersonal skills are just as important in the real world, where it doesn't matter how good of a lawyer you are if your client doesn't trust you. In the same vein, it doesn't matter how good of a doctor you are if you don't know how to reassure your patients. Moving beyond your professional role, it's important to know how to be a good friend, a good parent, or a good sibling. Although we don't receive formal training in these societal roles, college still teaches you how to maintain these interpersonal connections. These soft skills are invaluable, and college provides the best setting to develop these skills.

Knowing this and much more, I'm convinced that college is an essential stepping stone to my future. I'm excited to pursue this journey and learn!