What Attending College Means For Me by Mari

What Attending College Means For Me by Mari - June 2013 Scholarship Essay

Thank you for considering me for the Varsity Tutors Scholarship.  What Attending College Means For Me
Attending college for me means many things.  College means independence, maturity, responsibility, accountability, excellence, and future opportunities.  All these aspects work together to create the best college experience.  
For me, attending college is not just showing up for class, but rather being engaged in the class, learning, and preparing for my future. I plan to participate in class discussions (as appropriate), learn from the expertise of the professor, seek out study groups, help others in the class, and maintain grades of a scholar.  As a life-long stutterer and one for whom ADHD has caused struggles, class discussions and interaction has not been easy for me.  I am thankful that I have utilized coping skills to overcome the obstacles, and I look forward to discussions, debate, and presentations as part of my college experience.
University will be a time of more independence for me.  With this new independence, it may be tempting to forget what is important.  However, I plan to continue to eat healthy, keep my dorm room clean, and make sure I stay organized and scheduled.  I also will be intentional in exercising my faith through worship, study groups, and fellowship.  
Not only do I wish a positive college experience for myself, but also for those with whom I come into contact.  I realize that attending university is not done “in a bubble”, but actually in community with others.  My actions will affect others; therefore I will strive to live in such a way that builds others up instead of tearing them down.  
I realize that not everyone has the opportunity to achieve a university education.  I will not take this chance lightly, but will appreciate every minute of it.  As a child who was adopted at birth, I am thankful that my parents have encouraged me in my academics, and I look forward to making them proud by performing at the best of my abilities.  I realize that if I make the most of this opportunity, my future will be brighter than if I never took advantage of higher education.  
Attending college means a lot for me; it will change my life.
Sincerely yours,Mari Wheeler