Learning Makes Your Dreams Come True by Jacqueline

Learning Makes Your Dreams Come True by Jacqueline - March 2018 Scholarship Essay

If I were to explain the importance of continued learning to a second-grade student, I would start off by asking them what they want to be when they grow up. Answers will vary- astronaut, princess, artist, cowboy; for a child, this list is endless. Truthfully, most of the futures they dream of can be achieved through education, and I’d tell them so.
A little girl might say that she wanted to be a scientist. I’d take her hands in mine and say that she’ll be a scientist when she grows up, as long as she continues to stay in school. We’d talk about women in science (Ada Lovelace, Rosalind Franklin, Marie Curie, and so on), and how one day she’d be listed alongside them.
A little boy might say that he wanted to be an astronaut. I’d smile and tell him “that’s awesome!” before talking to him about NASA, and if he stays in school and does all the training, he’ll do more than reach for the stars- he’ll be in space with them. We’d look at pictures of the National Space Station and different astronauts. I’d tell him he’d look good in orange (the color of some space suits, of course).
A little girl might say that she wanted to make computer games. I’d pull out my phone and see if a local school was holding classes, telling her that it’s never too early to start learning about these things. I’d tell her about all the fun I have in my programming class, and how some of the kids from my school got invited to a worldwide robotics competition.
A little boy might say that he wanted to be an actor because he wants to be like Chadwick Boseman and Idris Elba. I’d tell him about Julliard and other schools for acting, after (naturally) expressing my love for those actors too. I’d tell him that I can’t act to save my life but I’d look forward to seeing him on the big screen.
A little girl might say that she wanted to be an activist because up until a few years ago, her uncle and his husband couldn’t get married. I’d give her a wide smile and tell her “of course you can”, because she can change the world. I’d tell her about my cousin working towards her political science degree
A little boy might say that he wanted to be in the NFL, but the other kids told him he couldn’t because he was a “fag”. I’d pull him aside and say that there’s no reason why he can’t be the best football player in the world as long as he keeps his grades up and practices hard. And that there is nothing wrong with the way he is. (“Take it from someone who knows”)
There are millions of things these children can be- so much more than just scientists and astronauts, computer programmers and activists; the possibilities are endless! They can be whatever they want to be as long as they pursue it and really work for it.
More and more people are told that continued learning is essential to have a stable life, which does have some truth to it. But it is my belief that continued education is more than that- it’s the stepping stone to doing something you really love, whether it be being a scientist or an astronaut. Continued education is more than just additional years of school- it’s a means to achieve your dreams.