Wayne State's Values and Mine by Theresa

Wayne State's Values and Mine by Theresa - June 2013 Scholarship Essay

The university that I will be attending in the fall of 2013 is Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. According to Wayne State’s Mission Statement, this institution aspires to be “a nationally recognized urban, public research university, Wayne State's mission is to create knowledge and prepare a diverse body of students to excel in an increasingly complex and global society.”
I believe Wayne State’s Mission Statement, while generated primarily to demonstrate scholastic goals, is also applicable outside of the classroom. Diversity exists on Wayne State’s campus in many forms: culturally, socioeconomically, as well as generationally. (According to Wayne State University’s online profile 41% of enrolled students are minorities.) I believe I have demonstrated my interest, acceptance and enthusiasm for diversity outside of the classroom.
Over the past few years I have done a great deal of independent travel. I think travel is the number one way to experience the diversity of the human race. Exposure to other cities, cultures and lifestyles enhances one’s perspective of the world. Acquaintance with diversity “creates knowledge” through the exchange of experiences, thoughts and ideas.
In addition to my incoming understanding and appreciation for diversity, that Wayne State encourages, I also have an interest in our “increasingly complex and global society.” My work, in both a public and academic library setting, has exposed me to the ever-evolving technology to which the world continues to adapt. These experiences have provided me with an enlightened viewpoint when it comes to working with technology to improve our world.
Wayne State University’s online profile also discusses the school’s “high standards of initiative and personal integrity that lead to good citizenship.” I believe I have demonstrated these characteristics to the utmost. While attending school I have also worked two jobs, and excelled in both. I have been given raises, and promoted in my work due to my demonstrated initiative. I have also been involved in volunteer work. I have tutored elementary aged children, and worked as an aid in a classroom for individuals with developmental disabilities. By working to support myself, while attending school and working as a volunteer, I believe I have exemplified the traits Wayne State most values.    
Every day I look for new ways to learn, and obtain more knowledge. While knowledge acquired in the classroom is important (and, ultimately the reason I am writing this essay), the knowledge acquired outside the classroom is equally as valuable. Becoming acquainted with as much of the world as possible is the ultimate way to learn, and I try to do this on a daily basis. Knowledge comes from everywhere, and I think that those most inclined to pursue it should be given every possible advantage. I firmly believe that a classroom education must be properly paralleled with a real-world education. I am taking advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, and I am confident an education at Wayne State University would be a wonderful compliment to the outside education I have already initiated.