How Informal Education Plays a Role in My Academic Success by Taylor

How Informal Education Plays a Role in My Academic Success by Taylor - June 2024 Scholarship Essay

The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” resonates deeply with me, encapsulating the profound impact of informal education on my academic journey. This proverb underscores the importance of community and the people who surround us in our growth. As an incoming college freshman, I am Taylor Renee Simmons, and I am here to share how the lessons and support from my village and community have been instrumental in my academic success.

Exploration was my family’s favorite pastime. Whether it be a day trip to the park, a field trip to the science museum, a visit to the apple orchards, summer camp, or a fun family vacation, creating memories through experiences such as these stoked a hunger and interest in learning. Immersing myself in different environments exposed me to new and other things, and though I was learning, it was more exciting for me to get out and see, touch, and feel than to sit behind a desk. Learning outside the classroom allowed me to ask questions and have conversations without the concern of embarrassment. Another thing exploration accomplished was to provide context for what I learned in school or read in books. It made those stories come to life and expanded my imagination.

Sports is also a significant dynamic in my household that opened me up to diverse groups of people, leading to many opportunities to travel and plenty of life lessons learned. Developing connections and establishing relationships with people from all walks of life broadened my perspective, creating a diversity of thought. The rigorous training and challenges I have faced as an athlete equipped me with the discipline to focus and manage my course load. Because of the demanding nature of my coaches, confronting issues in school or advocating for myself came with particular ease. Through my travels and experiences, I have gained increased confidence to speak and contribute to the lessons taught in class.

I look forward to continuing my educational journey at The University of Alabama, where I plan to major in Interior Design and minor in Sports Management. In preparation, I am doing an interior design internship with someone who owns their design firm, to educate me on what a career in this field looks like. I want to mention this internship was only possible because of a relationship through sports, where I played volleyball with the owner’s daughter. The practical experience I have by doing the work is invaluable and will complement anything I learn in college, not to mention be leveraged as I pursue my design firm.

There are more examples of how I have benefitted from connections within my community. Another example is my job at a local country club because of my grandparents' loyal connection with the establishment. I connected with the author of a book my friends and I read in our book club and coordinated a roundtable discussion because of my relationship with one of my church members. The list goes on.

Informal education is precious and essential to everyone’s educational journey. As I have expressed in my essay, it supplements what the classroom cannot provide. Through these events, I have personal and memorable experiences that make me a more well-rounded individual. It enhances my learning ability and sharpens my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship. I am confident that my experiences demonstrate the pivotal role of informal education in my academic success. My village and community have been the bedrock of my learning journey, making every opportunity to learn and flourish accessible. As I look forward to expanding my village in college, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the scholarship committee for considering my application, which will undoubtedly be a significant aid in my educational pursuit.