A Knower and A Thinker by Valeria

A Knower and A Thinker by Valeria - November 2020 Scholarship Essay

Education is defined as "the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction". Despite common belief, education not only consists of different programs, courses and teachers, but also of one's personal drive and motivation to seek knowledge and truly be willing to learn. Many people forget that education is a two-way street that not only relies on lectures and assignments, but greatly depends on the students' motivations and commitment on wanting to be educated. Thus, the aspect of my education that I am most thankful for is the set of values my parents instilled in me, creating my own drive and passion to constantly pursue knowledge and curiosity in order to gain a well-rounded education.

My earliest memories consist of my mother teaching me words through picture flashcards, creating scavenger hunts to match the pictures to her words. It is through this that I comprehended what a lion was, what a rainbow looked like, and the sounds a monkey makes. Ever since this little game, I have been captivated by learning, making sure that I not only heard what was said, but that I truly took the time to investigate and comprehend new concepts that I yearned to grasp. Thus, I moved on from recognizing a picture from its name to discovering the sounds of vowels and consonants and eventually using all these tools to not only read, but genuinely comprehend the story unfolding before my eyes.

As I grew older and started attending school, my parents always emphasized that if I was going to do work, I should always do it well, because in the end it takes the same amount of energy to work hard and well than it does to work fast and carelessly. I have kept this saying in mind since the first grade, applying it to every assignment no matter how small. I am always determined to do my best work, because in doing so, I make sure that I truly understand the assignment, the subject and further applications of the concepts. I ensure that I constantly apply myself, practicing and learning new techniques and striving to be the best student I can be, meeting my teachers halfway in this give and take relationship.

With these values I have achieved being a Principal Honor Roll student my whole life, while currently in the most rigorous academic programs: the International Baccalaureate assignment. I do this, not for the credits, nor for the title, but for the genuine will and need for education. Without my parent’s values, I would not have that drive and passion for learning that I have today. Thus, the most important aspect of my education is learning to not become a passive learner, but becoming an active knower and thinker who strives to satisfy her endless thirst and hunger for knowledge and education.