How Technology Has Positively Impacted My Classroom Experience by Gracen

How Technology Has Positively Impacted My Classroom Experience by Gracen - November 2025 Scholarship Essay

I still remember the first day I walked into my classical school with my prosthetic leg. I was nervous, not just about classes or grades, but about how I’d fit in. My school has this old-world charm: we read Homer and Aristotle, we write essays by hand, and we debate in class as if we’re sitting in ancient Athens. It’s a place that values tradition. But what surprised me most is how much technology, something so modern, has helped me not only keep up, but truly thrive.

My prosthesis is part of my everyday life. Some mornings it fits perfectly, and I barely think about it. Other days, it rubs or aches, and walking around school feels like a workout. On those days, I’ve learned to rely on technology in small but powerful ways. I keep digital copies of my notes and textbooks so I don’t have to carry a heavy stack of them around. If I have to stay home to rest, I can still log in and join class discussions or turn in assignments online. These tools might seem ordinary, but to me, they’ve meant independence and dignity.

My prosthetic leg itself is a daily reminder of what technology can do for people. It’s more than a piece of machinery; it’s part of me. It lets me move, explore, and participate fully in everything from PE to group projects. Every step I take is powered by innovation, design, and countless hours of human effort. When I walk down the hallway to class, I’m literally walking on the achievements of science and compassion combined.

In my classical school, we often talk about the tension between the old and the new, tradition versus progress. But living with a prosthesis has shown me that they don’t have to be opposites. Technology doesn’t erase tradition; it helps preserve it in new ways. When I read an ancient text, I can open my laptop and find scholars from around the world discussing its meaning. When I prepare for a Socratic seminar, I can listen to podcasts that connect timeless ideas to modern life. Technology makes the past feel alive.

It’s also made me realize that learning isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. Some days, my leg hurts, my Wi-Fi lags, or I just feel worn out. But I keep going because I know I have tools that help me adapt. Technology doesn’t make things effortless, but it makes them possible. It gives me the chance to show up, even on hard days.

When I think about how technology has shaped my classroom experience, I don’t just think about devices or apps. I think about what they represent: accessibility, connection, and creativity. They’ve helped me grow not just as a student, but as a person who’s learned how to overcome challenges with grace and determination.

For me, technology is more than convenience; it’s opportunity. It allows me to learn deeply, to connect with others, and to keep moving forward, literally, one step at a time.