Woodworking Furthers Education by Kelly

Woodworking Furthers Education by Kelly - September 2017 Scholarship Essay

Ripon Christian is a wonderful place to learn and grow. There are many opportunities to further one’s education through core classes, but also electives. In taking my fair share of classes, one elective specifically stands out to me: Woodworking. I’ve accumulated life skills in that class, and it has certainly impacted my education at Ripon Christian.
Why would a girl want to take woodworking? Many people asked this question, including myself. I got placed in the class since nothing else would fit into my schedule. At first, I was extremely nervous. Using power saws with a lot of boys around to laugh at me when I messed up didn’t sound like much fun. I was extremely nervous that the teacher would give me a bad grade as well, since I didn’t know anything about woodworking. However, my fears were silly. The boys in the class loved having the opportunity to help me, because it helped them further their own carpentry abilities. My teacher was very kind and thoughtful- I was not the first girl to pass through the class, and I won’t be the last. Now, I thoroughly enjoy operating power tools. I’ve made a candle holder, a birdhouse, a bookshelf, a planter box, and have many more projects up my sleeve for the coming year. The things I make are used practically, and I’ve become more handy around the house as well when something breaks.
In addition to finding a new hobby, I’ve also learned how to think critically. I was pushed out of my comfort zone in the wood shop, afraid I would be the only clueless one there. Nonetheless, I persevered through the safety manual and tests, and got right to work. Making plans proved to be harder than it sounds. There is a lot of math and attention to detail required in carpentry, and that has carried over into my other classes since details are always important. My problem solving skills have also improved. When I mess up, which is bound to happen at least once per project, I have to plan how to fix it. I’ve saved myself some money by using old scraps of wood rather than just starting over. Ultimately, the woodworking class has taught me how to think clearer and always to be alert.
Overall, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to take woodworking. The class has vibrantly affected my education, added a new hobby to my free time, and nurtured my ability to think. The class influences my work ethic in other classes, and pushes me to be detail oriented as well as alert. Being able to not only think critically, but also be useful in working with my hands is important to me. I am excited to see what new projects come from the class in the coming year, and to see what else I will accomplish in regards to my education.