Reflect on a particular subject or topic that has sparked your intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. How has this area of study influenced your academic pursuits and shaped your educational goals for the future? by Taylor

Reflect on a particular subject or topic that has sparked your intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. How has this area of study influenced your academic pursuits and shaped your educational goals for the future? by Taylor - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

In an era where academic performance often dictates one’s future opportunities, I found myself grappling with the pressures that apply such expectations. However, an experience took place when I participated in a job shadowing program at the Shawnee police department that not only helped alleviate some of these pressures but also reshaped my educational aspirations. Before going on my job shadowing journey, I was fully set on being 1 of 3 things: a social worker, police officer, or dispatcher. I learned how subjects I had previously viewed as mere requirements could translate into valuable skills in the professional world. This realization sparked a new flame within me: a desire to align my educational goals with my career aspirations and go to UNOH for legal assistance. As I reflected on the day following the job shadowing experience, I began to see myself in that job. This experience emphasized the importance of networking and building relationships in the professional world. As I shadowed the professional, I saw how connections played a crucial role in their career progression. I began to actively start the transition of high school to college life. In conclusion, the job shadowing experience influenced my outlook on academic pressures and shaped my educational goals. As I move forward in my academic journey, I am committed to pursuing my goals that resonate with my interests and ambitions of being in law enforcement. I aspire to create a future where my education serves not just as a means to an end but as a fulfilling journey toward becoming a well-rounded individual ready to contribute positively to the world. This shift in perspective has empowered me to embrace challenges, seek growth, and advocate for a more empathetic approach to educational values I hope to carry with me throughout my life.