Youthful Communication by James

Youthful Communication by James - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

During my time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying Communication Arts really opened my eyes to the importance of how we communicate with one another. It helped me see how communication is not just about talking or listening, but about connecting, understanding, and sharing ideas. As I learned more about how communication shapes the way people think, act, and relate to each other, I realized that this was an area I was deeply passionate about. It made me want to work with young people to help them find their voices, express themselves, and communicate confidently in their own lives.

The Communication Arts program at UW-Madison offered a mix of classes that taught me both the theory and practice of communication. I studied how media and messages affect us, how stories are told, and how we communicate in everyday life. What stood out to me was how communication influences the way young people develop their identities and how they understand the world. I started to realize that young people today face many challenges, especially when it comes to how they communicate and how they’re influenced by what they see in the media. This sparked a strong desire in me to help guide them in developing their communication skills.

Through my coursework, I learned how communication can be a powerful tool for empowerment. I saw how teaching young people to express themselves can help them feel more confident and capable. This became a key focus for me: I wanted to help youth learn to communicate not just for the sake of talking, but as a way to build confidence, express their thoughts, and understand the world around them better. It became clear that the more young people understand how to communicate effectively, the more they can shape their own futures.

My interest in this field was also fueled by the hands-on experiences I had working with young people through internships and volunteer opportunities. I was able to help organize workshops and projects where I worked directly with youth, guiding them in ways to express themselves, whether through media, group discussions, or other activities. These experiences were rewarding, as they showed me the impact that helping youth with communication skills can have. I saw firsthand how empowering young people to find their voices can lead to positive growth in their personal lives.

These experiences solidified my desire to work with youth in the future. I became more interested in how communication can play a role in helping young people deal with challenges, improve their social skills, and develop their self-esteem. I realized that by teaching them how to communicate more effectively, I could help them not only understand the world around them but also feel more empowered to express their thoughts and ideas.

Looking ahead, my academic goals have shifted to focus on how I can continue learning about the best ways to support youth development through communication. I hope to pursue a career where I can work directly with young people, helping them build essential communication skills and guiding them to navigate the challenges they face in today’s world. My studies in Communication Arts at UW-Madison have shaped my passion for empowering youth through communication, and I am excited to continue this journey in the future.