Governor's Scholars Program: How Summer School Saved Me by Jordan

Jordan's entry into Varsity Tutor's December 2019 scholarship contest

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Governor's Scholars Program: How Summer School Saved Me by Jordan - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

I was given an opportunity to spend 5 weeks on a college campus with approximately 300 other rising seniors from around the state during summer 2019. Governor’s Scholars Program accepts close to 1000 students total, and then divides us across 3 campuses. I was thrilled; I was going to be in a cluster of people like me. 19 of the students attending, including myself, would be studying cultural anthropology, a subject I had always wanted to explore. This was my Focus Area; my General Studies included 19 other students investigating the psychology and sociology behind video games. The same 19 teenagers from my General Studies were in Seminar, a self-betterment class led by an RA.
As teenagers do, friend groups soon formed within the first week. While this is usually disastrous for me, the program was a huddle of Type A personalities split between introverts, extroverts, and the mix, so no one was left out. Before GSP, I saw myself as a background character in others’ lives, contributing nothing and only used for convenience. This was because I had friends, but not a lot. At GSP, I found myself surrounded by people I felt a deep connection to. Unlike the real world, being stuck with only those similar to you helps jump the awkward first barrier of figuring each other out- we felt as if we’d already done that. Being surrounded by these people taught me that even in a group of like minds, cliques will form, preferences will be made, and that’s just the way things work. I don’t have to be a part of every friend group and there’s nothing I can do about the mysterious forces that draw groups of people together. Learning this has been pivotal in my search for happiness. My self-esteem has been the main battle in my life, and for once, I think I’m on the winning side. Insecurity still pulls at my sleeve, but it is astounding growth from the burden that used to sit on my shoulders
GSP was a much-needed breather from the regular high school setting. It was a break from the relentless slideshows, worksheets, homework, and quizzes. Non-traditional teaching styles were used in every class and, because not everyone was placed in their first choice, new passions were discovered. I was no longer near people I feared could drag me down or get me into the wrong things. Everyone who was there had worked extremely hard and was ready to soak up lessons we would never get in a traditional school. The teachers weren't afraid to get off-topic because, no matter what, we were learning. We looked at unique perspectives on hot-button issues, took field trips, and conducted our own research. It made me eager to see what higher education offered. Discussions were the center of every class and everyone’s opinions were respected. I no longer had to drag myself out of bed. Really, it was some sort of academic utopia.
Even though I’m an alumnus, I still feel like I’m part of the organization. GSP has helped to define my decision of attending college in that I’m confident it will be a similar environment. I know I will be around other determined, motivated, and erudite individuals in a challenging, classroom setting, just like I was that summer. The program was a place of research and engaged learning, and I’m sure college will be no different. It taught me that I can be successful and have a social life at the same time. It taught me to be sure of myself, that I am enough. The bettering of my mental health has also led to a regrowth of reading, laughing, leadership, sociability, and a drive for high achievement. In short, my doubts don’t cripple me. I am ready to immerse myself in a topic rather than stare blankly at some slides. I want to be pushed out of my comfort zone, find a new passion, and explore. At GSP, I found a new family ready to change the world. I have no doubt that I can do the same at university.

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