Opportunity Knocks by Saya

Opportunity Knocks by Saya - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

The academic accomplishment I’m most proud of is getting accepted into my former high school, Early College High School at Midland College.
An early college high school is a unique concept that has only recently come to light. The school I attended was very small, typically graduating less than 50 seniors each year. It was also extremely competitive; hundreds of hopeful students throughout the city would apply each year, with only about one hundred being accepted.
What made ECHS so special is right in the name: it allows high school students to start college early. Each student accepted into ECHS is awarded a scholarship of over $13,000 to attend Midland College (my city’s community college). Students walk back and forth between the high school building and the college campus, balancing work from both schools. It’s a rigorous and challenging school, which is why the application process is so long and selective. Every student fills out multiple applications, and is interviewed by administrators from the school before being accepted.
Being accepted, however, isn’t the end of the struggle. Students are removed from the school if their grades are too low, or if they don’t attend school as often as they can. Second chances aren’t allowed, to teach students academic responsibility. In the end of the long and difficult process, everyone is awarded an Associate’s Degree in General Studies along with their high school diploma.
Unfortunately for me, I lost my scholarship when my parents moved me out of the state. However, I worked hard for my two years at ECHS, proving to myself that I am a hard worker who will accomplish something great.