An open mind is key to life by Kara

An open mind is key to life by Kara - May 2014 Scholarship Essay

School had always came easy to me. Even in the advanced classes, I found a way to make A's without studying at all. That all came to an end when I became a student at the Central Virginia Governor's School my junior year of high school. While it was a rude awakening to actually be struggling to earn an A, I learned more in the two years I was there than I did in the entire 10 years previous to my admittance. One thing I learned on the first day of orientation on that hot August day was ALWAYS keep an open mind. Seize every opportunity, learn all I can, and most importantly, ask questions.

I was surrounded by teachers and students who were extremely intelligent and gifted. The instructors always proposed questions that seemed to have an obvious answer, but I quickly learned they were looking for us to think of the unapparent solution, the one that’s going to set us apart. I have carried this through everything I’ve done ever since. Of course, it’s very applicable in school and inspires creative responses, but I’ve also tried to have an open mind when I face conflict at my job, with my parents, and peers. With this mindset, I can usually find a middle ground in the midst of a disagreement.

Ask questions. In a world where we are told to keep our mouths closed and go with the flow, I have been taught that is the exact opposite of what we should do. Always be curious, explore your options. How else are we going to expand what’s known other than exploring more and pushing limits? I’ve learned to never be afraid of the unknown, and there is nothing that is off limits to our inquisition. I can’t even begin to express the gratitude I have for the teachers who taught me this valuable lesson. They changed my outlook on life, and I’m a better person because I chose to attend CVGS.