The Purpose of Learning by Jack

The Purpose of Learning by Jack - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

Attending college has a particular importance, allowing one to follow one’s passions and form them into one’s life and work. College and education in general is the key to find fulfillment, improving one’s skills in the areas in which one enjoys becoming skilled.
In my case, I plan to passionately study computer science and creative writing. For most of my life, I pursued my passion for computer programming alone. One day in a Digital Electronics class, my teacher allowed me to learn the Python coding language with the CodingBat tutorial service. Logging on to the website, I observed that the service presented concise tutorials and practice. These problems immediately engrossed me, stressing my mind before I realized the solution. With the help of the tutorials and my teacher, I progressed, learning Python and exercising my passion for computer programming in full.
However, I discovered more recently that I could craft words as well as code. During my junior year, I submitted formal writings to the exclusive literary magazine at Magruder High School. While I didn’t focus on writing, I enjoyed it as a pastime. However, when the editors accepted my pieces, I felt a sense of accomplishment, and I resolved to further explore it. Visiting my friend one day, we went outside and discussed the literary magazine. As we sat on a damp wood porch, my friend told me, “You have a skill with language. You should practice it.” This affirmation inspired me to unearth the great passion I held for writing, and I resolved to continuously write and improve my craft.
With these passions, I aim to pour myself into my college studies, using all the resources available to me to eventually graduate and make a substantial positive impact on the world, solving problems with computer science and spreading knowledge with creative writing. As college will allow me to continue learning and practicing these skills, along with many other people, it is important.