The Inherent Effect of Informal Education by Josclyn

The Inherent Effect of Informal Education by Josclyn - June 2024 Scholarship Essay

Hearing the word "informal" whispers of a negative connotation, even when paired with the word "education." Excusing the initial dismay associated with the word "informal," informal education can play a pivotal role in academic success. Outside a rigorous curriculum with set courses and concepts, some self-guided resources and opportunities can increase your chances of academic success. Speaking from personal experiences, online learning platforms, extracurricular activities, and traveling have set a well-lit educational pathway of my illuminating academic success.

Before my last quarter of sophomore year, I recalled feeling ecstatic for a one-week extension of spring break. However, one extra week became an indefinite break that left me very fearful of my education. I took it upon myself to make an informal class schedule with me and my closest friends. I would hold Zoom calls that coordinate with the schedule I made. Since I already had my eyes glued to the screen, I took advantage of it to expand my learning through digital platforms. For math and English, I utilized Khan Academy. Despite the circumstances, we still had the AP U.S. History exam, so I watched YouTube and College Board videos to study. During the rest of my sophomore year, the high level of mental stimulation enabled me to excel in my following year. To this day, I still use online platforms to expand my learning. For example, I am currently enrolled with Coursera for two certifications that are helpful with my current curriculum and my future route to becoming an HR manager.

Furthermore, I did partake in many extracurricular activities, like tennis, volunteer club, and symphonic orchestra. Sports and music physiologically improve academic performance. Throughout my four years of tennis and orchestra, I also improved my teamwork, technical skills, and stress management. As for my Key Club volunteering, the community service projects expanded my awareness of social issues and civic engagement. These club events broadened my perspective and improved my interpersonal skills. When I became the president of Key Club within my first year, I tremendously enhanced my delegation, leadership, and public-speech skills. The positive traits and habits I developed as a cellist, tennis player, and president overlapped with myself as an ambitious, successful student.

Lastly, traveling has been a significant aid to my practical knowledge. I have only recently started traveling for pleasure in college. In the last two years, I have been to Laval, Seattle, Boston, New York, Newark, and many cities in California. I have traveled more in the past two years than my whole life. Visiting different states and countries has exposed me to multi-faceted cultures, histories, and ways of life. These experiences enriched my understanding of global issues and fostered a sense of cultural sensitivity. During my recent trip in December to Boston, I grew a special liking for the city and began envisioning a happy life there. I left with the life-changing revelation that I wanted to go to school there and change the course of my academic path. Fast forward to today, I plan to transfer to Boston University, where I plan to major in psychology and minor in business management next fall semester.

Although informal education can evoke skepticism, it undeniably aids academic success. My journey through online learning platforms, extracurricular activities, and extensive travel has illuminated the path to academic excellence in ways conventional education could not. I have learned to explore informal education through digital resources to provide the mental stimulation needed for academic growth. My engagement in extracurriculars enhanced my academic and personal development. While traveling has expanded my worldview, and even gone so far as to influence my academic aspirations to attend Boston University. Overall, informal education complements formal learning by providing a hybrid approach to achieving academic success.