"The Future" by Kacie

"The Future" by Kacie - October 2022 Scholarship Essay

Education plays a vital role in my life. From being a high school student myself, wanting to major in education, and being actively involved in K-5 classrooms, education has become a part of my identity. To me education means the future. I have been fortunate enough to view education from the perspective of a student and of an educator. My perspective of education as a student is like a ladder. Every wrung is another grade, milestone, or task. But, as an educator, education is more than just a ladder. It is shaping the minds of the future and is like a door that opens to broader horizons and endless possibilities.

In 2021 I became part of the Oregon Teacher Pathway program where I would work with elementary school students and form case studies on issues related to my education and community. Through this program I learned the importance of education and the lasting impact it has on people. In the classroom I taught in, I made it known to my students that learning should be fun and that no matter what problems came their way, someone was always going to be there to help them. Over the span of five months I was able to help students work towards their goals and get excited about learning. While this was certainly self fulfilling, I was more excited for my students. As I mentioned before, I believe education means the future. My former students, and all students that came before them, will be the leaders of tomorrow. I believe that their future success will all be thanks to education and the foundation they were given at a young age.

Overall, education is something I deeply value and I believe it plays a vital role in the lives of many. I have grown to appreciate both perspectives when it comes to education and I hope to inspire future students to be as passionate about their education as I am. I believe education shapes the minds of our future.