Embracing the Power of Words: An English Major's Path by Tara

Embracing the Power of Words: An English Major's Path by Tara - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

As my first year of college comes to a close, I have thoughtfully chosen to pursue a major in English, a course of study that reflects my abilities as a student and my desire for a stimulating college experience. English may not have been the most straightforward class of all my high school subjects, but it was the most enriching and connected me to my passion.

I find great beauty in reading literature and delving into the thoughts and ideas presented by authors. Analyzing work and discovering the true meaning beyond its surface is a pursuit I find fulfilling. Writing brings me even greater joy in every form, most notably for me in prose and scriptwriting. Even when academic demands inhibit my creative expression opportunities, I find my own avenues to engage in reading and writing. My ambition to be an English major crystallized while I was immersed in creating my own novel; a fleeting endeavor turned serious when I finished page 100. I soon hit 200 and 300, and my true calling was driven. I embrace my creative mind that always yearns to make something new and develop a story that elaborates random ideas into cohesive plots rich with commentary and atmosphere. 

In addition to my appreciation for literature and composition, I want to study English because of my desire to acquire and refine new skills that I have yet to master. While I often hold an unrealistic view of my own work, I read and consume exceptional literature that exposes me to just how complex and principled writing can be. Now, enriched in the academic world, I am pursuing courses that enhance my literary composition skills and allow me to engage in beneficial discourse with my peers and professors. Contrary to popular belief, I believe studying English is just as viable as pursuing a STEM career. As an English major, I will become proficient in analyzing texts, building arguments, and accepting diverse perspectives, benefiting a well-rounded understanding of the world. These skills are transferable and highly valuable for professional contexts, skills that STEM academic paths don't prepare individuals for as well.

As stated before, writing has always been my preferred pastime, and I hope to publish my own writing someday. I am fortunate to be surrounded by colleagues and friends who are accomplished novelists or journalists who have encouraged me to consider this path. I am eager to transform my percolating ideas into a compelling narrative or dialogue and to forge relationships between my readers and my writing. By keeping an open-minded approach to career options, I aspire to discover a satisfying vocation that not only brings me joy to pursue each day but also can contribute positively to my society. There is so much power in the written word, and I believe I can create a lasting impact by influencing and shaping perspectives in ways that inspire understanding in our ever-evolving world.