Never Stop Reading by Matthew Dale

Never Stop Reading by Matthew Dale - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

The one piece of advice that I have repeatedly shared with younger students is to “Never Stop Reading”. have learned to value my personal time reading books and periodicals of various subjects. Having traveled through the creative writings of others, I gained insight to sciences, technology, sports, arts, history, drama, motivational teachings, that significantly complimented what I was learning in school. Being aware of the lack of reading habits of others, both youth and adult, I am motivated to share my experiences. Before encouraging a young person to never stop reading, I have to determine if they read anything outside of school requirements.

Outside of school activities, I have chosen to volunteer and perform community services that I feel important. By volunteering, I began to understand that I am capable of making an impacting contribution that would add a positive change to the life of another. For three years, I have had the opportunity to speak to groups of high school freshmen once a week about transitioning to high school life. In addition, I helped the freshmen with how to comfortably and successfully coordinate school work, home, and social life. I make myself available to be someone that they can trust, communicate easily, and go to for help with homework and the emotional experience of fitting in and succeeding in high school. As an Character Council ambassador, I speak to 6th graders about how to have good character and the importance of it. I have been a Peer Helper, assisting in a government class for high school juniors. I chose to mentor youth wrestlers, and to provide encouragement and influence, just as I recognized in my first coach who mentored and influenced me. One of my teammates is an outstanding athlete, and had an opportunity for athletic scholarships, but would not qualify because of his academic GPA. I mentored him, passed on skills for study, taking tests, which facilitated raising his GPA. Subsequently, he was accepted into college and received an athletic scholarship.

In each of the different volunteer activities where I have exposure to my peers and young people, I convey the value of reading. If one isn't reading, then start. If the person is already a reader, then i advise them to “never stop reading”. I know that I have access to an abundance of information, mentally, just because I read and enjoy the activity. Books have helped me to widen my imagination, become aware of new people, things, places, and develop my character and personality to my satisfaction. Reading has certainly complimented what I have learned in school, while giving me the resources on many subjects that allow me to share with others, with confidence of knowing what I'm talking about.

I often take the opportunity to share my passion for reading when I address a group of young people or when just exchanging ideas with a peer. Only when I have a person’s attention and interest, can I successfully talk about the value of reading. It's the entertainment value that usually catches their attention, but then I can convey the benefits of increased vocabulary and writing skills, knowledge, and more. Whatever the reason is that sparks or increases another's interest in reading, the resultant message is the same, read and never quit reading.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have volunteered in excess of 1000 hours of scheduled service to others thus far, as I have received much more than I have given. During all of my extracurricular support activities, I have never thought of participating and contributing just to influence others. I choose to be active in others lives because it is the right thing to do, with the skills and time that I have been given.

I have been accepted to the University of Nebraska Honors College to study in the College of Engineering where I plan to earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Biological Systems Engineering. Subsequently, I plan for postgraduate studies and possibly work in research and development in effort to achieve my initial goals. I am eager to utilize my natural ability to creatively think of unique solutions, coupled with my education and experience in engineering, to directly affect a positive change in mobility options for the community affected with muscular dystrophy. I will continue to participate in the Muscular Dystrophy Association camp, and to mentor young people. I am eager to share my passion and to encourage others to never stop reading.

Thank you for the review of my essay, and consideration of me as a candidate for this scholarship award.

Sincerely,
Matthew D. Boren