Education outside school by Mamadou

Education outside school by Mamadou - September 2024 Scholarship Essay

The first things that come into the mind of most people when thinking about learning are classrooms, textbooks, and lectures. I have benefited from all these traditional approaches, but my most preferred learning style is hands-on experience and self-guided exploration-particularly with technology or some other form of practical problem-solving. One lesson particularly helpful to me outside of the classroom is that of self-initiative and quick adaptation in the real world.

Recently, I have been learning how to manage my finances more effectively. This may be less academic of a subject, but financial literacy is a critical life skill indeed, and isn't always taught in school. I have developed particular goals, such as saving $3,000 for my first car and knowing that I can budget for things in case of emergencies or bigger purchases. I have been perfecting my technique through trial and error in knowing how to budget, having to balance my job at KFC along with working as a DoorDash driver. Every time I received a paycheck or some sort of expense gave me the opportunity to review my habits, think about my needs, and implement certain changes in the way I save money.

Another exciting area of non-traditional learning for me is the creation of digital content. On the side, I have been trying my hand at video editing and graphic designing in order to create small films and visual content. Online tutorials, online forums, and free resources have become my "classroom" to try out different techniques at my own pace. This approach not only enhances my technical skills but also builds my creativity and adaptability.

What makes these unconventional learning experiences so powerful is a feeling of ownership. I am not learning to pass an exam; I am learning because it improves my life and further provides me with skills that will help me later in life. The lessons learned are immediate, personal, and meaningful.

While formal education is a must, I feel learning from experience, self-teaching, and trial and error enable me to put my learning into appropriate application. This approach helps in growing not only as a student but also as a person who would be better equipped to face the challenges in my life.