What does attending college mean for you? by Matthew

What does attending college mean for you? by Matthew - June 2013 Scholarship Essay

Attending college for me has always been about proving to the world via in writing (i.e., a piece of paper) that I can be a well adjusted function member of society by way of a completed higher-level education along with a set of specialized skills in a chosen area of vocation.  In essence, a degree communicates to others that you can complete long-term goals, that you can be dedicated, and that you can be triumphant over huge challenges.College has also been for me the opportunity to expand my horizons on multiple facets.  For example, my emotional state has been pushed to the extremes and has forced me to ask questions such as can I accomplish this, can I pass these tests, and can I complete these intense projects? As I move through each quarter I look back and I'm amazed of what I was able to accomplish which in turn gives me the confidence to move forward.  Even my physical state and been tested.  Between full-time school, work, internships, homework I often wonder how I'm able to even function with such little or inconsistent sleep?  Yet of course my mental state is also expanded.  I'm surprised at how much I can learn and remember.  Nonetheless I'm astonished when the preverbal "light bulb" goes off and I'm able to apply my new knowledge as well as expand on it.Moreover attending college has been about new experiences, new friendship, and new challenges.  College expresses an opportunity to not only expand and grow but to prepare oneself to go out and enhance or change the world for the better using the skills gained.  Maybe even discover new relationships vital to one's success or livelihood (i.e., college provide a built in network).As a returning student I've been on the other side and now understand more so then before the value of class time, quality curriculum, student and instructor interactions.  If one is astute and pays attention to the details there's always a lesson to be learnt and an opportunity to create new solutions to common problems—which is the keystone to changing the world.