The Sticky Note by Sophia

The Sticky Note by Sophia - September 2024 Scholarship Essay

Today's youth is in a constant upward battle of wit and whim when it comes to the moving platforms that hold up the Education system of America. There is always a looming task to complete with a course load that is crushing and the daunting shadow that the University presents. Many young adults fail due to never knowing how to study or what way to best learn course information. This was also a problem for me, until I discovered what Immersive learning was like. There are many different ways a student can cram in the night before a test or begin a new subject.

Two years ago, I began the intimidating mission to learn the Arabic Modern Standard Language. I was venturing this unknown territory alone and online. Dedication was not my issue, that title was earned by the loads of foreign information I was thrust into on something as basic as a form of communication. I couldn't understand how this was possible, the stretch and bend of my brain to comprehend what some people have a natural ability to do. It opened my eyes to a way of learning I never thought necessary. Immersion was an idea given to me by a tutor of mine. She said that I could teach myself a new language if I encompass myself in it. It started with Sticky Notes. By transcribing the Arabic version of each item in my room and placing a Sticky Note on that item. My place of rest and relaxation became alive with vibrant little colorful squares of unknowns. But eventually, after morning, after morning of waking up to these small tokens of my commitment to learn, I was starting to get it. I could recite vocabulary that felt impossible to me months ago. Learning the second hardest language for English speakers was a task I took on willingly and am so glad I did. I am still learning to this day but it is what will allow me to speak to a person not only through their ears, but also their hearts.