A Life Course: Embracing the Journey of Life by Lauren

A Life Course: Embracing the Journey of Life by Lauren - August 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I had the opportunity to teach a college class, I would cover the importance of embracing life’s journey. Far too often, college students expect to enter college knowing exactly what they want to do and graduate 4 years later fully equipped with the skills to land their dream job. While this is a wonderful idea, this is not the reality for many. I myself was disillusioned to find that college didn’t go as easily as I originally planned.
I worked several jobs to pay for my education. At one time I submitted a total of 5 W-2’s for my tax returns at the end of the year. Yes, I somehow managed to work 5 jobs while attending college part time. My jobs included babysitting children in childcare at a church, working at a kid’s summer camp, working as a supplemental instructor at a college, as a cashier at Albertson’s grocery store, and a Hostess at a restaurant. My schedule was extremely hectic but I managed to pay my college tuition without taking out any loans. This was one of the hardest, busiest times of my life, yet looking back on this time, I am very proud of my accomplishment. I learned an immense amount of practical skills from all the jobs I had, and learned to become more resilient in difficult situations. I wouldn’t change this experience because it strengthened me into the woman I am today.
I believe it is imperative that our youth are given the emotional and mental tools to navigate life’s challenges. They need life courses that teach them about the importance of self-esteem, determination, and self-resilience. I would especially want to teach a college course covering these topic because I believe there is a dire need for these skills at this hectic time in a young adults life.