How Education Has Shaped Who I Am Today by Taryn

How Education Has Shaped Who I Am Today by Taryn - December 2014 Scholarship Essay

Education has been a huge part of my life, ever since I was in elementary school. In elementary school, I was part of their Talented and Gifted program, or "T.A.G.." There, I was always challenged to do more and learn faster and work harder, which gave me very valuable life skills. This continued into middle school, where we began actually learning subjects at the TAG level. Because of this, I became very advanced in the subjects of science, reading, and social studies. Also at this middle school, I was put into an accelerated math program, beside many of my classmates. This pattern of advanced work continued into my high school career, although it was not faculty-mandated. By this time, it was natural of me to want to work harder and challenge myself. I signed up for about 8 or 9 Advanced Placement classes throughout my high school career, as well as taking a Kirkwood Community College class my senior year and joining IowaBIG: a project-based program to educate students as well as help the community. I was accepted into the Minerva Chapter of National Honor Society, danced in my high school's dance team and marched in their marching band for three years, and even spent a year on the Speech and Drama team. With all this work around me, I quickly learned time-management, as well as responsibility. All of these activities I chose because of a strong work ethic learned in my education as a child.

Even with so many activities and schoolwork to keep track of, I am never satisfied with what I learn. I always want to learn more. I am so curious about the world and its secrets. Education has given me a tiny peek into this, but left me to want more. My parents call me a "know-it-all" because I am always looking up and reading about new things. Not many students say this, but I absolutely love learning!

After I graduate from high school, I will move on to college, and hopefully earn a degree. I want to be a teacher, because of how I was impacted in my educational career. I felt my entire life was positively influenced by education, and I want to be part of that influence on others. Education is not only my motivation but my key to achieving this; I must continue my education through college to become a well-qualified teacher.

Today, I am a hard-working, responsible 17 year-old senior that always wants to learn and be challenged, and I owe it all to the education given to me. Because of my experience as a child and growing up, I want to give others my traits and achievements. Thank you so much.