How has informal education played a role in your academic success by Treyvon

How has informal education played a role in your academic success by Treyvon - June 2024 Scholarship Essay

Informal education has been a secret element in my academic journey, calmly boosting my success in ways I didn't always realize. Yes, formal education, such as going to classes, taking notes, and doing homework, has been essential. Still, informal learning has been the spice-up that's made everything more accessible and relatable.
Informal education has helped me by making learning fun and interesting. As a student with a learning difference, hours memorizing facts from a textbook is hard. Watching a YouTube video about a topic you're passionate about, suddenly learning feels more like a hobby than a chore. I've often found myself diving into YouTube videos, exploring various topics, from ancient civilizations to the mysteries of black holes. Surprisingly, I've learned and remembered more from these videos than from last-minute cramming sessions before a test.
Taking tests has never been easy for me, but informal education has helped me ace those dreaded exams by giving me different perspectives and deeper insights into the subjects I'm studying. I might turn to Khan Academy or other online resources to get an easier explanation. And it always benefits me because suddenly, the lightbulb clicks on, and I get it! It's like having a personal tutor available 24/7, except it's free and just a few clicks away.
But informal education isn't just about online videos and websites. It's also about conversations with friends and family. Some of my best learning moments have come from discussing ideas with my classmates or asking my mom questions about their areas of expertise. Having casual chats at dinner or during a car ride may not seem like much, but they've broadened my horizons and helped me see things from different viewpoints.
Books have been such a big part of how I learn outside of school. There's something magical about getting lost in a story or diving into a non-fiction book about a topic that interests me. It's like journeying to another world and discovering new ideas. And you'd be surprised how much reading improves your thinking and vocabulary without you even noticing!
And then there are hobbies; they're not just for fun—like sneaky teachers! Take playing an instrument, for example. Not only does it sound cool, but it also helps with memory and focus. And coding? It's like solving puzzles, which makes your brain super sharp. Playing video games can be educational and improve coordination and strategy.
But the best thing about informal learning is how it makes you love learning for the sake of it. It's not about getting good grades or passing tests—it's about curiosity and exploring whatever interests you. That sense of wonder keeps me going, even when school gets tough.
So, informal learning has been a game-changer for me. From YouTube videos to hobbies, it's like adding flavor to my education, making it more fun and rewarding.