Why go to college by Xiaya

Why go to college by Xiaya - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

Over the past century, connecting with people has become more significant to our day-to-day lives. As a kid, I remember being so intrigued by grown-ups and their conversations. The way they would talk to each other and interact with each other was so captivating. Even though I didn't fully understand what they were discussing, I desperately wanted to participate. Of course, my parents would pick up on this and try to redirect me. Though I kept my distance, my fascination never went away.

It should be noted, growing up it never took much convincing for me to try anything new, mainly because I wanted to meet new kids. Even the short conversations we would have on the playground would reel me in like a fish. They had so many stories and vastly different backgrounds. I remember my pure excitement getting to go anywhere and leaving with a new friend. You couldn't talk to them the same as you did the last. At a young age, I had a love for communicating with people and making sure that my approach to anyone I talked to was coming from an understanding and non-judgemental place.

With all these factors, it should be no surprise that I also have a love of performance dating back to 2nd grade. Since then the stage has been my home. I was in talent shows, a part of the chorus, show choir, and other clubs, but there was always one I had a fondness for. I was always curious about the theater, the first play I had the pleasure of attending was "Elf" at the Springer Opera House. Everything about that production was so entrancing. You could feel the music in your bones and all the actor's performances were so moving. The moment the play was over I knew I needed to be on that stage one day to tell people's stories.

Over the following years, my devotion to theater and communications didn't change. I was in JROTC, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Thespian Honor Society, and countless others. The summer of my sophomore year my theater teacher helped me get a scholarship for the Springer Theater Academy. It was only a two-week program with a performance at the end, but it had a community of people ranging from the ages 6 to 18. When you were in the room with all these brilliant minds, you couldn't help but absorb it. The following school year, I auditioned for the 2023-2024 season at the Springer and I was blessed with the opportunity of being a part of their production of holes as zero. The same stage where I got to see my first play was the first stage where I got to have my first professional experience as an actor and was finally in “The Room Where It Happens". Even though I got to achieve the things I only thought I could in my dreams, I'm not done. I have so many more things to do, which is my reason and purpose for wanting to attend college.