Think by Lisette

Think by Lisette - November 2015 Scholarship Essay

The holiday season, a time where our days are shorter, nights are colder, and most of all a time where many people take the time to reflect on what they are thankful for. Friends and family are the most obvious subjects when thinking of our holiday gratitude, but have we ever stopped to be thankful for our education? At times we may have frustrating views concerning our education system. But lets stop and think about all the life changing knowledge that we have acquired and can continue to acquire.
Growing up going to school was an everyday thing. I woke up every morning and every week day I attended school without any questions. It had become a normal part of my life that it became almost like background music; I didn't even notice it. I had never thought of school as a luxury and I had imagined everyone gotten the opportunity to go to school. My child like state of mind had essentially made me oblivious to the world surrounding me.
But now as I take a step back and notice the things around me, I have realized the most important aspect of my education that I am grateful for is the fact that I have the access to it.
In the news today I have read about the children in Afghanistan, where approximately only 14% of females are enrolled in primary school. Or in India where less than 40% of adolescents attend school. The list goes on and on and each time I read this type of news I reminded of the grand opportunities I am given. I have access to online information, to schools, and most importantly to teachers that have become great mentors to me and made me the person I am today. But out there in the world today there are millions of people across the world are not given the access to education and they may never have the chance to get educated.
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We are fortunate enough to have access to education and I believe with this powerful tool we can create a change in order to make education accessible for anyone.