College Dreams by Sophi

College Dreams by Sophi - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

College is not just another few years of school. It’s a huge step toward achieving that dream future you’ve always wanted as a little kid. College is such an important aspect of what comes in one's future, no matter what plan it be. When you graduate high school and get your diploma, students all have the thrills of growing up; attending college, living in dorms, hanging out with friends, endless studying at the library, and freedom and independence.
In many ways, attending college is like an “American Dream.” The idea that you could achieve high goals as an American citizen can. Attending college is part of that aspiration, the first big step to success lies in the next few years of someone’s life. College may even be a community college, attending a 2-year program is a big step in the right direction too. Someone’s dream career, big or small, easy or hard to get to, college is a great way to start it off. The education you obtain while in college not only advances your knowledge but gives you huge advantages to major career goals. College not only prepares you for that degree, but it also gives you advantages in ways of internships, possible job opportunities, volunteer events, friends for life, and a great way to start bigger connections to the world.
All my life, I’ve dreamed of going to college and having the freedom that I didn’t have while I was in high school. College is such an important step for me because I get to have a fresh start for myself; in a new surrounding, I get to redo myself, try to become more confident, learn entirely new ways to study, do things differently. Growing up Asian American, I was told that as an Asian, schools would be harder, because of the stereotype that “all Asians are smart” and huge racial discriminations. I find these discriminations and stereotypes repulsive, especially when any race should only be considered at any school based on their academics, honors/awards, and experiences. I’ve always tried to push myself to continue studying and leading. My parents are not extremely affluent, and I motivated myself to make them proud and go towards my dreams. These obstacles in my way prevent me from achieving such dreams, and I do not want that. College is such an important part of achieving my goals in life, and I don’t want anything to stop me from attending college all because of the racial differences between one another. And because of the discriminations, the stereotypes, the pessimism, and the discouragement, if college is a step towards your goal it is absolutely vital to attend and even if it’s not toward your goal, it is an amazing way to just get experience and learn.
Although more years of schooling may sound like a nightmare to some people, it has many benefits that come along. It isn’t just school, it is an opening to the rest of the world. There are so many opportunities that come along with attending college and finishing college. Connections and social networking are the start of getting into future graduate schools or future job opportunities. The professors may be your guide to achieving your dream, the friends you make can create long term friendships, anyone you meet could be the gateway to your dream. The American Dream not only means achieving one’s goals but fulfilling one’s happiness. College is a way to really enjoy your life, the start of becoming an adult, your freedom and independence, but you still can have guidance if you’re afraid. There will always be someone you can look up to and find in college that will help you achieve your goals.