Doors by Taylor

Doors by Taylor - June 2013 Scholarship Essay

When I envision college in my mind, it looks like a hallway. The hallway is bright with different colored doors running all the way down, past the horizon. Every door holds a new passion, career, or even a hobby. The possibilities are endless! College is the hallway filled with opportunities. I realize that it is a tool, and if I wield the tools given to me correctly, I will be free to do whatever I want with my life.
             I already have some doors picked out to try, since I already know I will be going into the major of animal science. Fortunately though, I realize college gives me unlimited choices. I am not limited to the doors I must open; I am free to choose some doors that will enrich my life beyond my future career. I love music and exercise, for example. College will give me friends for a lifetime through those activities, as long as skills I will enjoy long after I leave. I am sure I will be a runner for as long as I am able, and I will make friends in college that will push me further in my running than I could ever push myself. Music will also stay with me past college, I am sure. Learning a new instrument or a new rhythm is more enriching and enjoyable for the mind and soul than any math class will be (though I am sure math is important!).
            Attending college is not, of course, just the classes and clubs I could join. Yes, classes and clubs probably present many skills and passions to be learned and cherished, but what would they be without the people who run them and participate? Nothing. My father always told me, college is mostly about learning about people. I believe he is right. Learning to work with that tough professor or that messy roommate is important, because those people will show up later in life. The skills to learn to work with them now creates people skills that are essential in becoming a better person myself, and even in business. The people who become friends are important too, though. Attending college means learning from outside the classroom as well. Those experiences can present just as many  new lessons to learn, if not more. I'm excited for all the doors the people at college will open for me, whether it be patience, how to fill out a form, or learning to fix part of a car. Who knows! There is lots to learn.
            Although it sounds simple, opening a new door will always take courage. Meeting new people, taking new classes, or just moving into my dorm as a freshman will probably be heart-pounding experiences. I believe that attending college will encourage me to try new things, and be confident about my decisions. How could it not? Freshmen are forced to learn in a completely new environment and become independent at the same time. I am sure I will succeed, but there will be challenges to overcome. Hurdling the obstacles college presents means becoming more sure of myself and my abilities. I believe this tool above all others is a main key to success. Therefore, attending college means becoming more successful. Courage is a trait needed to be successful in the business world, and in life in general, such as making sure your grade is right in that tough professor's class.
            College is a tool that gives me many more tools for a better future. I will learn how to take care of myself, enjoy new activities, become better at what I already succeed at, and become successful. I believe college won't just make me successful in the business sense though, it will give me skills and passion that will make me successful in a sense of being happy and satisfied with my life. Attending college means opening new doors and not being afraid to do so.