Individuality and Friendship: My Dream School by Vedant

Individuality and Friendship: My Dream School by Vedant - July 2020 Scholarship Essay

I wake up, brush my teeth- the usual morning routine. Suddenly, my mother comes into my room just as I am getting changed, and tells me that school has been cancelled for the coming month and the government has issued orders of social distancing to "flatten the curve" and slow the pandemic. Initially, I am overjoyed at this fact. No more school! But then, the practical side of my brain shows itself. Cogs turning, I begin to think of how I will prepare for tests, how I will campaign for my school's local National Honors Society Elections and so much more. An introspective session ensues, with me debating the profound impact that school has on me. I begin to ponder what my “dream classroom” would look like, and come upon a rather startling conclusion.

My dream classroom is one which preaches friendship and treats all students and their needs individually. You could have the best schooling system in the country, but it would not mean anything if you are not getting anything of benefit from your education. If my school had not catered towards my needs, I would have never found out that I have a passion for writing, or that I love solving physics problems! Even though we are modernizing and adapting in these uncertain times, my version of an ideal school would be one which continued to put emphasis on their students. Not as a singular ID but as a living, breathing person with individual needs and passions.

Without this mindset, a school will be a shell of its former self. A facade. However, I am pleased to say that each and every school that I have been a part of has taken students as actual people. They have allowed us to collectively thrive and pursue our passions. My dream classroom is in fact, a reality. It is already allowing me to excel, and I am proud of this. Now, my introspective session ends as I open my eyes, proud of my “dream classroom”, which exists not just in my mind but in real life as well.