Getting Old, Staying Young, and Other Endeavours by Lauren

Getting Old, Staying Young, and Other Endeavours by Lauren - June 2023 Scholarship Essay

I suspect that the next ten years will sneak up on me. As a kid, I can’t say the thought of being 32 excited me very much. Growing up, I definitely fell prey to the belief that once your youth was wasted, your life was essentially wasted too. Looking back, it wasn’t the most logical opinion. I set myself up for disappointment by expecting to have it all made by 20 or so. Most adults I know hit their stride later in life. Those who have their financial situation and career all figured out in their early twenties are the exception, not the rule. I’m happy to say I’m now looking forward to being 32, and the foundation I hope it brings.
I’ve had some self doubt heading back to college this year as a 22-year-old. I have had worries that I won’t be as capable as I was when I took a break from school at 19. However, the belief that only young brains can engage with and learn new material is not a belief I want to harbor throughout my life. I will very likely only be getting older. Therefore, I want my actions to determine my capabilities, not a limiting mindset. I want to still be learning at 32, 42, 52, and beyond.
Ten years from now, I hope I’m still seeking out knowledge and growth. When I was younger, my parents and the adults around me seemed like they never changed. They appeared to have always been grown-up and remained this way. However, this couldn’t have been farther from the truth. We are all always evolving, if not externally than internally. Our hopes, fears, and personalities are dynamic. In ten years, I hope I haven’t forgotten this. I hope I’m more comfortable with aging and more comfortable in the belief that I can learn something, do something, and be someone new, regardless of my age.
I’m returning to school this fall to finish my final four to five semesters. After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I hope to continue my education and complete a masters program in psychology or a related field. I am interested in studying human behavior and development. In ten years, I aim to be a licensed therapist, possibly working in a school setting. Currently, I work with children, which I find incredibly rewarding. Understanding the various stages of growth that occur during childhood and how these experiences impacts individuals later in life is an area that fascinates me. Additionally, I have always felt at ease in a school environment, making it a natural choice for my professional aspirations.
I can’t think of any work more fulfilling for myself than providing support to young people at such a crucial time in life. I believe that, deep down, we are still the same individuals we were when we were growing up. Although we may have more mature ways of describing our desires and affinities, at our core, we are still dreamers and children. I hope that through my education, I will be able to better understand how to nurture and support the child within each one of us.
Ten years from now, I hope to look back on a richness of information and experience that I found pleasure in the act of gaining. There have been times when I’ve felt as though one must jump through a lot of hoops in school. I believe I’ve been too focused on getting the hoop over with instead of enjoying and immersing myself in the process of getting through it. I hope I can look back and feel as if I soaked up my education and learned for the sake of learning, not just for some reward or payoff. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for you consideration.