The Most Powerful Contribution: Education by Kassandra

The Most Powerful Contribution: Education by Kassandra - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

Feeling my throat tighten and my face turn red, I sat at my desk. My eyes shifted from focusing on my shoes, pencil, and paper to anything in my line of view to make it look like I was occupied. The teacher strode to the front of the room, deciding which unsuspecting student she would choose as her next victim. It was math class, and as usual, I had no idea what was going on. I scanned the whiteboard with the problem that needed to be solved. The only answer I knew was that if the teacher called on me to solve it, I would be in trouble. I sat in deep anticipation as I twirled my hair through my fingers.
"Kassandra," my teacher called on me from the front of the room. "Would you like to solve the problem on the board?" My body tensed as I looked up at my teacher. I thought to myself, 'I should know how to solve this,' but as I glanced at the board overrun with numbers, I was overwhelmed. I froze, and I had frozen for such a long time that the teacher passed on to the next student. Phew, I was safe now, but I couldn't promise I would be tomorrow.
This pattern continued for a long time while I was in elementary school. Math class would start, and I would sit in utter confusion as my teacher taught a new lesson, she would soon test us on later that day. Every day went the same, and every day I had less and less confidence in my ability to do anything math-related. I wish I could solve problems when asked, but I got so confused during lessons I had no concept of what I had to do. Although, a small part of me still believed I could be a good student if only I got some extra support.
As I have gotten older, I have realized that my experience is shared universally by students young and old. I wasn't the only one who had struggles of not understanding; more likely I was just one in millions who needed a little more help with schoolwork. Students around the world, country, and my community were paralyzed in confusion when it came to schoolwork, a trend that has only been exacerbated by COVID-19. I believed someone like a tutor would have helped me during that demoralizing time, but like many families in my community, my family simply couldn't afford the extra expenses. My performance in school would just have to be below the bar for now. That was my reality then, but back then, I made an important promise not to give up on my academics or the educational experience of others. That is why I created my own tutoring business.
My tutoring business not only challenges students academically but empowers students in their academics who are similar to my younger self. I encourage my students not only to be the best students they can be but, more importantly, the best people they can be. I always tell them their academics are important, but their overall performance does not impact their value as an individual. Confidence should not be diminished in a school environment, so I made sure to instill this mindset in all my students. Additionally, with my newfound knowledge of teaching and curriculum, I can address learning gaps in my own community. I make education more accessible and affordable, offering a lifeline to those who, like me, struggled to find academic support. I have the opportunity not only to aid students in academics but also in life. I am profoundly grateful to be a role model to my students and witness their journey towards achieving great things.
As I look ahead, I hope to expand my tutoring business to reach more struggling students in my community. I also hope to continue my own education, which can be made even more attainable with a scholarship. Fueled by determination, I believe I have created positive change in my community by providing children a future and purpose beyond just academics. I have been through some tough patches, but I wouldn't change my experience because now it means I can help students in similar situations. Through my journey, I have learned challenges make change, and you cannot have change without contribution.