The Advancement of Higher Learning by Trinity

The Advancement of Higher Learning by Trinity - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

As a black female, I am very passionate about representation in the media and vocalizing the bright ideas of the people that are underrepresented in the decision making process of their own communities. The most effective way to ensure that I am able to meet these aspirations and truly help others is to educate myself and further develop my knowledge while at a higher institution of learning. Therefore, I plan to attend Oglethorpe University, a small liberal arts school that focuses on using the city of Atlanta, Georgia as an “incubator for the development of new ideas and novel ways to test classroom learning.” I will major in Mass Communications with a minor in African American Studies.
I believe that a major in Mass Communications will give me a platform to influence opinions and perceptions. By gaining knowledge with a minor in African American studies, I can better understand the psychology behind the challenges, contributions, and traditions of the African American culture. This newfound knowledge will help me to better provide a voice for my community. My career goals include a career in journalism and civic service. I believe that knowledge and experience opens doors and allows for the youth to see their potential. My education will help me to stand in proxy for needed yet unheard voices.
As I move through my career, I aspire to work for major networks in print and television discussing advocacy for underrepresented and undeserved populations. Advocacy work is very important to my career because I wholeheartedly believe that my success is nothing if I am not able to help others find and operate in their passion. I aspire to encourage young people to be more active in their communities and to not only discuss change but become proactive. I hope that I am able to inspire people to put their ideas into fruition with the hope to raise the average standards. I hope to become a philanthropist who gives back to communities while equipping them with jobs and the necessary tools they may need to gain a “seat at the table.”
Oglethorpe University is a school of a close-knit campus community with big city culture and experiences. I chose a small liberal arts school because it focuses on engaging students on a more personable level and developing strong critical thinking skills, problem solving, and communication skills. These are skills that employers say they value most, even more than specific majors because it ensures employees are efficient in evaluating a situation and solving the problem in a newfound and creative way.
Oglethorpe University ensures that its students graduate with connections from internships that guarantee a job that will cater to their future career goals. They offer programs that will enhance students’ knowledge about their careers with career mentoring with practical advice from resume writing to interview skills. The University has created programs that help its students to explore the work force with hands-on projects and experiences that will teach students to develop creative insights about the outside world and how our bright plans will fit into it. I know that I have ambitious career goals and passions, and I feel that Oglethorpe University will help me to explore the real world more directly and experience how my new and fresh ideas will fit into the vast world of media. If I were to not choose to attend college; I would miss the chance to make connections and create a mental capacity to be ready for the real world. The opportunity to dive into new learning opportunities and environments by attending college, will prepare me for my many goals and give me the perfect environment to flourish in my desired ambitions.