The Telephone Pole That Changed My Life by Nathan

The Telephone Pole That Changed My Life by Nathan - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

I found myself in the middle of a jungle, surrounded by overgrown trees and scant signs of modern civilization. This situation, however, was nothing unusual to me.
This was simply another round of playing my favorite video game: Geoguessr. As the timer slowly ticked down, I scanned the nearby area for clues: houses, telephone poles, or perhaps a language. Many consider this a peculiar way to spend my free time; I call it a true test of knowledge, instinct, and observational skills. Geoguessr has always been more than just a game to me: it was a gateway to learning new things and exploring the far reaches of the world.
As I continued to scour the land, my eyes landed on a distant telephone pole. I zoomed in, hoping to get a better view. I could discern that the pole top was uneven- the insulator crossbar was asymmetrical compared to the base.
At that moment, I paused. Not to make my guess but to ask myself, “Why? Why do I recognize and know so much about a random telephone pole that is over ten thousand miles away from me?” This thought puzzled me.
I have always had a never-ending thirst for knowledge, and Geoguessr nurtured that curiosity in unexpected ways. The game not only challenges me to find locations, but also to learn more about the world. Each round is a new adventure: exploring places and cultures I previously had no knowledge of. I adore discovering these new locations and gaining a richer understanding of the world. I am able to learn so much about a country simply by examining the cultural landscape; for example, Japan’s unique blend of modern and traditional values is actively demonstrated by narrow streets lined with compact housing. The road signs filled with kanji characters, and the abundance of Shinto shrines highlights their pride for their culture.
What I enjoy most about Geoguessr is the heavy reliance on often random and obscure knowledge. One must often rely on trivial details to accurately predict the location. For instance, rather than the traditional five stripe pattern found throughout most of Europe, Spain’s pedestrian signs have eight stripes, setting them apart from the rest. Though seemingly small, being aware of this detail can have significant implications, allowing me to confidently pinpoint Spain, thus making my guess an educated one rather than relying on luck. The thrill of putting together these minute pieces to complete a bigger puzzle is unmatched.
The elaborate nature of putting together clues while depending on my observation, deduction, and analysis has dramatically heightened my problem-solving abilities. The constant challenge of interpreting my evaluation of the land keeps me engaged, and I continuously compare each round to locations I have encountered before. Mastery of Geoguessr, like any skill, requires dedicated time and practice. Much of what it takes to improve is simply playing the game repeatedly. I have developed the ability to rapidly identify distinct landscapes, such as Iceland, with just a glance. Practice, however, is not enough to become highly skilled: it also involves a significant amount of self-studying clues and hints for specific countries and distinguishing between regions within a country.
As I reflect upon my journey with Geoguessr, I realize that this game became an integral part of who I am. It is as though this game was made for me. The demands the game made and the field of study aligned with my character perfectly. The challenge it presents, relying on obscure details and random facts, fits perfectly with my love for learning and exploring the unknown. The quirky and trivial facts that I love so much are precisely what Geoguessr is.
But over time, I came to see that the lessons I learned through the game weren’t just about maps or telephone poles; they were about understanding people, cultures, and connections. With every guess, I wasn’t just narrowing down a location, I was broadening my worldview.
That’s why I plan to major in international business. The global perspective I’ve developed through Geoguessr aligns perfectly with what excites me most about the field: bridging cultures, and solving complex problems across borders. Whether it’s adapting to small cultural changes or adapting strategies for unfamiliar environments, I know that attention to detail and a love of learning will greatly help.
I hope to work with companies that operate worldwide, helping them adapt and grow while respecting the local customs and values that make each place unique. I also plan to study abroad, especially in countries I've explored virtually such as New Zealand and Costa Rica
Geoguessr didn’t just teach me how to find a place. It showed me the kind of path I want to follow. And in that moment, standing in the digital jungle, it all came together.
I was in Western Java, Indonesia.