Practical Wisdom: My Journey of Learning through Work and Passion by Syrai

Practical Wisdom: My Journey of Learning through Work and Passion by Syrai - September 2024 Scholarship Essay

There is more to learning than just going to school. As a high school student with a lot of different hobbies, I've found that some of the best ways to learn are through non-traditional means. Combining my interests with real-world work experience is my favorite non-traditional way to learn. Right now, I'm learning a lot from two different but equally rewarding jobs: working as a hairdresser and doing different jobs at the Home Run Inn.

I first became interested in hairdressing as a hobby. It was fun for me to try out new styles and methods for myself and for family and friends. What began as a personal interest has turned into a more serious activity. Through practical practice, I've been able to put my skills to use and improve them. I've learned how to cut, color, and style hair well. Compared to standard classroom learning, where theoretical information doesn't always lead to useful skills, this real-world experience has been very helpful. For example, working with different hair types and getting to know what my clients want has taught me how to pay attention to details and provide great customer service, which are important skills for any job.

I cut hair and work at Home Run Inn, where I do a lot of different jobs, like cashier, waitress, and food runner. This job has given me many chances to learn new things. As a checker, I've learned how to handle money transfers correctly and quickly answer customer questions. Being a hostess has helped me get better at organizing things because I'm in charge of assigning tables and making sure that customers are served quickly. As a food runner, I've learned how important it is to work with others and move quickly in a busy place. Each of these jobs helps us learn more about how businesses work and how to connect with customers.

One of the best things about these non-traditional ways of learning is that they help you build soft skills that aren't always taught in traditional schools. For instance, working with customers has helped me get better at talking to them and fixing problems. I've learned how to be patient and polite in tough situations, which are skills that are useful in any job.

These situations have also made me more independent and responsible. I need to be disciplined and organized to make good use of my time between work and school. Also, having my own money thanks to working has taught me how to make a budget and handle my money well.

In conclusion, working as a hairdresser and at Home Run Inn have bettered my schooling in ways that regular classes can't. They have taught me useful skills, helped me grow as a person, and made it easier for me to figure out what kind of work I want to do. Using these non-traditional ways to learn has been very satisfying and has helped me get ready for challenges and chances in the future. As I continue to study these interests, I am thankful for the lessons they teach me that aren't covered in school.