College: The Best Thing I Can Do for Myself by Scott

College: The Best Thing I Can Do for Myself by Scott - November 2023 Scholarship Essay

My decision to pursue higher education was driven by a desire for authentic learning, intellectual growth, and personal exploration. Throughout my years in high school, my fascination with computer science was ignited through small programming demonstrations, but I wanted to go further. Collaborating with peers through group projects or labs made me realize the importance of seeing through new perspectives, and the benefit of surrounding myself with intelligent people. The ability college offers me to explore any area I want enables me to discover what I am passionate about. All these examples are the reasons I chose to attend college.

High school provided glimpses into the potential of coding, but they were small glimpses, leaving me intrigued, but unfulfilled. The programs I would write could find the average of a list of numbers, sort a roster of names into alphabetical order, or tell someone their monthly pay if given hours worked and a wage. Finding the solutions to these problems was satisfying, but they had no real-world impact/applications. I recognize that college represents a platform I can use to make impact and create meaningful work. It's the arena where I anticipate delving into intricate coding challenges, conceptualizing and executing large-scale projects, and creating applications that surpass small exercises; applications that have tangible functions and practical utility.

I have always enjoyed working in teams. Whether it be through sports, work, or group projects, I always found value in engaging with others. In the university environment, surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals driven by their passion for innovation, I anticipate a dynamic learning experience. I'm eager to engage with peers who share my drive for self-improvement, each offering a unique perspective and skill set. Through collaboration with those around me, I envision growing my understanding of technology, having diverse viewpoints that will not only enrich my academic journey but also aid personal growth.

College can offer a landscape for exploration, not just in the field of computer science, but in a variety of disciplines. While in high school, I felt restricted by the curriculum. “Take these classes and these electives to have a better chance at getting into college” is all I heard from my guidance counselor for four years. College offers the ability to explore passions while also staying on track with my major. I am drawn to the idea of navigating through various elective courses, joining diverse clubs, and engaging in new activities. This multifaceted approach will hopefully help me find ways I can apply the skills I learn from my major to things I enjoy. This process will help me discover what I excel in but also what I am truly curious and enthusiastic about.

In summary, attending college seems like the best thing I can do for myself. Working on projects/research that go deeper than the base-level lets me create meaningful work. Surrounding myself with a community of passionate individuals allows me to leverage their perspectives to enrich my own understanding. Exploration of various clubs or courses my college offers can aid me in discovering what I enjoy and am passionate about. College represents not just a continuation of my academic journey, but a phase of personal growth that I couldn’t get anywhere else.