It's Funny How Time Changes Perspective by Michael

It's Funny How Time Changes Perspective by Michael - November 2023 Scholarship Essay

It's funny how time changes perspectives, when I was in High School, so many years ago, I never would have imagined that I would ever have a desire to go back to school, of my own Free will. You see school for me was just a social meeting that was interrupted by nagging adults that wanted to impose their will on me. You can probably guess, I had a rebel streak in me, I guess it was fitting that the mascot of my High School was, The Rebels! Talk about conflicting messages!
That was over thirty years ago, to say that I have become more mature, well some would say that statement is a stretch, but in many ways, I know I have. In that time, I have completed a 22 year military career, with many military decorations and awards to show for it. I have traveled the world and seen things many people can only imagine. I have raised a daughter, that has had a major contribution to the amount of grey on my head. I have been married to the same beautiful woman for nearly thirty years. I have earned a BA in Organizational Leadership, and a Masters in Theology. I believe all this experience supports my belief that I have become more mature.
Why would a man, my age, want to go back to school? Moreover, why would anyone holding a Masters Degree want to go back to school for an Associates Degree? Because there is a need. That is the simplest answer I can provide.
I have lived in big cities, most of my military career was in San Diego CA, I have seen the streets lined with those that have found themselves in some of the worst situations imaginable. In some cases, I could only compare it to what I had seen in third world countries. I presently work for the Great Falls Rescue Mission, I have witnessed what addiction does to a person, in many cases, people want to and are trying and to break the chains, but their addictions are too strong and they do not have the resources to do it themselves. I want to be more equipped the help others fight that fight. I believe gaining the academic knowledge, combined with my real-world experience, will allow me to make a positive impact on the community.
I acknowledge that not all homelessness is caused by addiction. I also understand that not all addicts are homeless. I also know firsthand that addiction comes in many forms and has an adverse effect on not only the addict, but also those around them, usually those closest to them. I have experienced addition personally, and been given a second chance in sobriety. It would not be right to hold that emancipation from addiction to myself, it is time to pay it forward.
That is why it is funny how time changes a person’s perspective, and why I want to go back to school.