Using Education to Empower the World by Trajdan

Using Education to Empower the World by Trajdan - May 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I had unlimited time and money, I would use what I’ve learned in school to tackle one of the world’s most persistent challenges: educational inequality. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve come to understand that education is not just about absorbing facts—it’s about learning how to think, how to solve problems, and how to connect with others. These are the tools that can change lives. Given the resources, I would dedicate myself to creating global access to quality education and using it as a platform to empower communities to build better futures.

Growing up, I was fortunate to attend schools that offered more than just textbooks and lectures. I had teachers who encouraged creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. These experiences taught me that meaningful education happens when students are engaged, supported, and seen. Unfortunately, millions of children and young adults around the world do not have access to this kind of learning. Many are held back by poverty, conflict, gender inequality, or lack of infrastructure. I would use unlimited resources to change that.

My first initiative would be to establish a global network of community-based learning centers in underserved areas—places where traditional schools are inaccessible or under-resourced. These centers would offer free, inclusive education tailored to local cultures and languages. The curriculum would go beyond core academics to include life skills, financial literacy, mental health support, and environmental sustainability. By partnering with local educators and community leaders, I would ensure that each center reflects the values and needs of the people it serves.

Technology would play a key role in my vision. With unlimited funding, I would invest in digital platforms that provide free access to high-quality learning materials, interactive lessons, and real-time tutoring in multiple languages. These tools would reach learners in even the most remote areas, powered by solar energy and offline capabilities where internet access is limited. This idea stems from what I’ve learned in school about the power of innovation and how it can break down barriers when used with purpose.

But my goal wouldn’t be just to deliver education—it would be to build a generation of changemakers. I would create mentorship programs connecting students with professionals in fields like healthcare, engineering, and social entrepreneurship. Students wouldn’t just learn theory—they’d be supported in applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems in their own communities. For example, a student learning biology in a rural area could use that knowledge to promote clean water practices or improve local healthcare. A student studying business could be guided to launch a community-focused enterprise.

One of the most important things I’ve learned in school is that progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people work together across differences to create something better. With unlimited time and money, I would build not just classrooms, but communities of learners, thinkers, and leaders—each one empowered to lift others.

Education has changed my life. It has given me confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose. With the resources to do so, I would work every day to ensure that others have the same opportunity—not just to learn, but to thrive. Because when we invest in education, we don’t just teach people how to succeed—we teach them how to uplift the world.