A Gratuity Cycle by Sarah

A Gratuity Cycle by Sarah - November 2015 Scholarship Essay

Education is defined as “the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university” – (Google). Education from my perspective is the opportunity to receive education from an accredited university, the ability to grow as an individual, the chance to leave home (for some), and the challenge of balancing time, academics, and a social life. Education in my perspective, is much more than just academics.
I believe that I am grateful for all aspects of my education. Each piece that makes up my education experience here at Western Washington University, would not be the same without another piece. An aspect that most people often look over is the chance to be able to give back.
I believe that through the generations of college, we have been given the choice to give back to people and help those less fortunate around us. Western has multiple volunteer programs in 3rd world countries such as Tanzania, Rwanda, Thailand, and Kenya. Along with Global volunteerism they also have community service. There are multiple programs here at Western that help homeless teens, at risk students, etc. I am thankful that while I am receiving my own education, I am also giving back to the people around me.
I am in a class called Compass to Campus, in this class I am sent to a school that has already been labeled “at risk” by the government. I am given the opportunity to mentor and help these adolescents turn their life around. The feeling of receiving an education and also giving back to the community around me is an indescribable feeling.
It’s not only Western that has multiple Volunteer and community service projects. As the generations of college grow, so does the ability to give back what you can. In my perspective, the aspect of giving back to those around you who are less fortunate, is the one I am most thankful for. It not only means that we have a chance to help people around us, but the society and humanity of Americans is becoming more unified. Instead of hateful behavior we are bringing companionship while earning a respectful education. I like to call this my Gratuity Cycle – For a cycle of peace and unification is what I am most thankful for in my education today.