educational journey essay conclusion

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Best Education Essay Examples

Educational journey.

619 words | 3 page(s)

After graduating from high school a few years ago, I had achieved a significant milestone in my educational journey. I had to take some time and think about the kind of future that was suitable for me, one that would lead me to a fulfilling and happy life. I had to choose from a variety of promising options that all seemed to hold a bright future for me. I decided to pursue a career in nursing as I felt it would be fulfilling and at the same time I would have a chance to help people in the community as I work. I knew that the journey would not be easy, and I hoped and prayed that it would be worth the struggle eventually. I believed that education would provide me with opportunities and put me in a better position while competing for career opportunities, and improve my financial situation. The journey has been eventful, with a variety of challenges, detours and sacrifice.

Since enrolling in college, I have learned a lot academically and through various practical experiences in the course of my studies. Being in college has expanded my views and the way I perceive the world, built on my self-confidence levels, and most importantly built on critical interpersonal skills and the courage to face challenges of enormous proportions. Before enrolling in college, I was always looking forward to being in college but my finances were a little squeezed, and I was running on a tight budget. Eventually, I decided to work part-time as it would help with my experience and improve my financial situation.

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My educational journey has not been without challenges. As a single mother, I was struggling to support my family and raise my daughter the best way I could. I had to work and go to school, and at the same time, I was raising my young girl. I worked in low paying jobs on different occasions just to improve my financial situation. I worked as a health caregiver, a certified nurse aide, a licensed practical nurse and eventually as a registered nurse when I got my license to practice as a nurse. Working, raising a child and studying is not easy. Sometimes I could be too tired to study, and I had to make a few sacrifices such as taking personal and family time to study and do research.

I have not missed any significant opportunities; I have been fortunate to make it through various stages in which I was struggling. My best aunt Patricia has been an inspiration and encouraged me to do the best I can. She always told me that the future would be different when I overcome the challenges and stay focused on completing my studies and get a license. Being a nurse herself, she played an essential role in my life and influenced my choice to become a nurse. Having been through nursing school before me, she guided me and made my studies a little less complicated. She helped me whenever she could, and I’m forever grateful to her. She helped me get some of the low paying jobs that helped me through college when my finances were insufficient. I could not have come this far without her.

I have had the pleasure of interacting with influential teachers since day one of college, and I look forward to meeting more of them. It is right to acknowledge the role that teachers and instructors play in shaping us to be the people we want to be in life. I have lost contact with some of these teachers but their legacies influenced me in my practice as well as educational endeavors, and they helped me become a better person.

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How Have You Dealt With Your Challenges In Your Education Journey?

For me, my education journey began at age five in first school, and ended aged twenty-three after graduation from university with a degree in English Literature. Although the levels of academia and specific challenges became bigger and more complicated as my educational journey progressed, it would be fair to say that the ways in which I dealt with each challenge as it came my way remained relatively similar. As homework became harder and decisions directly impacting on my professional future came in to play, I found that my thought process and coping mechanisms were more or less identical to those that I employed at a young age. The degree of seriousness and difficulty may have increased, but they way I dealt with challenges tended to stay the same.

Firstly, one of the primary trains of thought that I relied on throughout my education journey was to follow my heart whilst also using my head. When it comes to school and university, these institutions and what you do inside of them take up the majority of your early life, so you have to make sure that the subjects you are studying are ones that you feel truly passionate about and interested in. No matter how renowned your school or university might be, if you are not motivated to study, then the whatever challenge comes your way is going feel like too great a challenge, and the only way to ensure that this doesn’t happen is by tailoring your education, as much as you can, to areas that you feel enthused to spend a lot of time with. This applies to all ages from which craft project you choose attempt aged ten, to which subjects you want to study for your exams before applying to university.

Another important factor that has helped me to deal with the plethora of challenges that education throws at you is reaching out for help when you need it. The only way you can truly learn is by getting others to teach you, and if you find yourself treading water around a certain subject or educational task, then it is vital that you swallow your pride and go back to your teachers for some extra guidance. I had a tough time accepting this, but just because my peers seemed to be able to get it first time around, it didn’t mean that I had to suffer in silence and sit through a topic without actually digesting it. Teachers are paid to help you to learn and understand, so do no hesitate to go them if you are struggling and feel like you need some extra assistance for a certain subject.

These fundamental guidelines of keeping your studies in line with your interests and not being afraid to ask for help when you might need it are universally effective across all ages of education. Attaining good grades and going on to get a good university degree are some of the most rewarding experiences that a young person can have, and for me personally, continuing to employ those two tactics throughout my educational journey proved to be a great success. From focusing on English at school to committing to a three year English Literature course at university, I was able to continue to study a subject I loved for nearly all of my academic years. With the motivation to complete my studies and the courage that I could ask for help from my teachers and lecturers when I needed it, what could have been a very difficult time became an easy and enjoyable one.

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My Educational Journey

Updated 18 October 2023

Subject Learning ,  Experience

Downloads 41

Category Education ,  Life

Educational Journeys

Educational journeys provide people with an opportunity to share their educational journey with others an everyone has a story to tell. Reflecting back a few years, my education journey began in a public school system. This type of school system especially when I was in middle school made me ambitious, and I do remember dreaming of becoming an important and respected individual in my community. As a young student, the ambition helped develop some strengths such as creativity and problem-solving skills when I was in high school. However, I also had some weaknesses which included not taking criticism well, and I was, and still, I am critical of others. As a student, I had trouble with multitasking where it was hard for me to carry out more than two tasks at a time. Reflecting back to the young me, I would like to hold on to the strong work ethic open-mindedness traits I had since they can play an important role in goal setting. However, I would like to get rid of the impulsive trait since it has costed me in the past.

Current Semester

Fast forwarding to this semester, I believe that I am still an ambitious student, a team player and someone who loves reading with the objective of gathering more knowledge. This description of myself can be affirmed by first the fact I always push myself to work alone as an individual when completing class assignments and when I am trying to understand the class materials. Secondly, to gain a more understanding of what was covered in a class, I always engage myself in serious conversations with other students who are different from me in terms of race, personal values, political opinion, and religious belief with the objective of understanding how people who are different from me think. Thirdly, I always discuss ideas from reading materials covered in class with the faculty members outside of class evaluating what I have learned. Lastly, I am a member of a learning community formed by a few students in my class. All members of his community share common academic goals and attitude providing an avenue for regular collaboration on classwork. I believe that all the four leaning behaviors can help me be successful and none of them can hurt me.

Lessons Learned

From the materials of this course, I have learned that first motivation comes from within. It is clear to me that as a student with ambition, I have to push myself to make the most of what this institution has to offer. Secondly, I have learned that comparing myself to others will not get me anywhere since there are different paths and opportunities for everyone. Lastly, I have learned that as a student, I do not have to have everything figured out since learning is a process. As a student, the major strengths include being organized and always working hard. I always have several reading lists, and therefore it is vital for me to be organized which include having a calendar that has all my projects marked out. Moreover, I always work hard where sometimes I can stay at the library late at night to complete my assignments. When it comes to my weaknesses, I sometimes face the issue of procrastination where I sometimes find smaller things to do even when I have large tasks at hand, but currently, I am motivated to work on strengthening this area.

Future Goals

By the end of the semester, I want to be a student of value to my community. To do so, I need to start getting involved in community service where I will have the opportunity to share the knowledge I have gained with the aim of improving the community. To improve myself as a student and be helpful to my community, I need to work on my involvement in community outreach programs. This can begin with enrolling in some of the programs that aim at improving the lives of students. To steer myself towards this direction, I can try organizing for social actions, forming coalitions, and involving myself in social planning. The steps for these strategic changes will be trying to involve people in my community efforts since the people are the heart of the community. This can be done through formal methods of recruitment, going door to door, and informal conversations.

All in all, analyzing my educational journey has played an important role in formulating effective learning experience which has helped me design a purposeful educational journey. I have also realized that as a learner I have limited time, and therefore it is important for me to make efficient use of the time I have. Lastly, attitude and learning behaviors can alter every aspect of an individual’s personal life, education included. Learners’ attitude and learning behaviors determine their willingness and ability to learn where negative attitudes and learning behaviors may affect the motivation to learn.

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1.2 Your Academic Journey and Personal Story

Questions to Consider:

• How can your academic journey develop skills needed for college success?
• How can your personal story prepare you for applying to college?

Your Academic Journey

Now that you have a better understanding of what college can do for you, it is time to focus on how high school is preparing you for college, or better yet, how you can prepare yourself in high school to become college ready. It is clear that what you do (or don’t do) in high school can affect your ability to get into the colleges of your choice, but there is more to preparing yourself than just earning a high GPA or class rank. Your high school education can provide you with ample opportunity to help you hone your academic skills.

Take Difficult Courses

Any student who is serious about applying to college should consider taking challenging classes while in high school. Why? Because those classes can help lay a foundation of high expectations and hard work and they are often highly regarded by college admissions counselors. These classes are sometimes called Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors/advanced classes. If you are considering taking such courses, talk to your guidance counselor or current teachers. They may be able to offer suggestions for how to get selected (if there is an application process) and give you a realistic picture of what will be expected. There is no need to take all AP, IB, or advanced classes to prove you are ready for college, but taking a few can provide a college admissions committee evidence that you are open to challenge.

Manage Time and Tasks

If there is one skill that you can develop now that will help you throughout your college career, it is the ability to manage your time and complete tasks. If you already use a planner to track what you need to do and when it is due , then you are on the right track. You can enhance these skills by setting reminders for yourself—and not relying on teachers or parents to tell you when to complete or submit an assignment. The most important part of managing your time and tasks effectively is to build in time well before something is due to complete the work and to overestimate (at least initially) how long you need, which can provide time “buffers” that will keep you from rushing through work to finish it.

Learn to Learn

Earlier, you were introduced to the argument that the purpose of college is to become a learner. You don’t have to wait until college, though, to figure out how best to learn different subject matters. This is one reason you should consider taking challenging classes–they require that you put more time and effort in them to learn the material. And those skills will make transitioning to college much easier. How can you “learn to learn”? You may have little control over what you are learning and how you are tested, but you can control how you approach the learning. One way to learn how to learn is to space out your learning over time (as best as you can—sometimes teachers like to give you a pop quiz when you least expect it!). Reviewing a bit of material for a short amount of time over several days (as opposed to cramming it in right before a test) produces better results. Another way to learn how to learn is to monitor how well your learning strategies work. Did you do well on a test? Take some time to reflect on what you did that resulted in a good grade. Did you space out your studying? Did you look for connections in the material? Likewise, if you do poorly on a test, determine what led to the result. The more you can identify what works and doesn’t for you, the easier it is to make improvements in your learning strategies.

Demonstrate Integrity and Ownership of Learning

Being a high school student often means having a lot on your plate. It can be easy to put off homework and studying, not do it at all, or cut corners to complete the work. While you may be able to get away with some stumbles like forgetting to turn in an assignment, other behaviors, such as getting someone (including Artificial Intelligence software) to do your homework or write a paper for you can get you into trouble. Now is the time to build the skills you will need later in college. Taking full responsibility for your learning as well as demonstrating integrity in all assignments no matter how big or small are the foundation of those skills. How do you do this? For one, you acknowledge that every action or inaction will produce a result. If you put in the work to write the paper, you will earn the grade you receive. If you do not put in the work or find a way to shortcut the process by using someone else’s writing, then you have missed an opportunity to improve your writing, your thinking, and your project management skills. Plus, you may get into trouble for academic dishonesty, which could mean failing an assignment or a course, or getting a more substantial punishment, such as expulsion. The stakes only get higher when you are in college.

Keep Test Scores in Perspective

You will learn more about standardized test scores and their purpose for getting into college later in this chapter, but it is worth noting that while what you make on the ACT, SAT, or equivalent standardized test, may factor into your ability to get into and pay for the college of your dreams, it is not necessarily a reflection of who you are and what you are capable of. Definitely do all you can to raise your test scores through practicing, prepping, and doing your best on the day of the test. But do not assume that a low test score will be the end of your long-term goals or educational journey. They are just one piece of information by which an institution may evaluate your potential, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that tells who you are.

Your Personal Story

Just as important as your academic journey is your personal story. You will need to develop and reflect on both for your applications to college and scholarships. Those who read about you will want to know not only about your accomplishments, but also your challenges and how you have overcome them.

What Makes You Unique

It may seem cliché to say “There is only one you!” But there is some truth in the fact that you are unique—there is no one else like you. To that end, you may want to draw upon those unique characteristics as you begin to shape the story that you will share with college admissions staff and scholarship committees. Will you be the first in your family to go to college? Do you live on a working farm and feed the goats, cows, and horses every morning before school? Can you ride a unicycle or juggle or both? There may be both personal characteristics as well as experiences that make you stand out from others, and if there are, consider weaving these details into the tapestry of your story. Start by making a list of your characteristics—no trait is too small or typical at this point. You can eliminate items later when you start building your story, but for now, create the list and add to it as you think of new things that you are or can do.

Getting Gritty

Many college essay prompts include an opportunity to share a time in your life in which you faced adversity and overcame it. For some students, this prompt is difficult for they have either not experienced a life-changing setback or not considered themselves challenged. It is important to remember that any setback or disappointment—no matter how inconsequential it may seem to you—can be the basis for an essay that responds to such a prompt. There is no need to embellish the circumstance if it is truly not harrowing, but it is acceptable to frame the experience as something that was difficult for you. Most readers of essays are less looking for a made-for-Hollywood story and more wanting to see someone who has demonstrated tenacity, resilience, and reflection no matter how big or small the adversity is. Even if you are not required to write an essay on a time in your life in which you failed or experienced disappointment, having a story handy for interviews (for scholarships, internships, or jobs) can help you share insight into your personality and strengths in a succinct way.

Finding the Themes of Your Life

In Katharine Brooks’ (2010) book You Majored in What? 3 she shares a writing and reflecting activity called “Wandering Pathways and Butterfly Moments” that guides readers through a series of prompts to develop a list of life experiences for the purpose of discovering what career pathway may be most fruitful for them to pursue. These life experiences could be as monumental as moving to a new state and starting a new school or they can be as mundane as spending the summers fishing. The goal of the exercise is to record what you have done or what has happened to you to get a sense of a “story.” These stories are built upon the connections and themes that you see in the experiences. Here are some of the life experiences Brooks wants you to consider when you are crafting your personal story.

• What have you done during the summer or holiday breaks from school?
• What did you play when you were a young child?
• What are some of your major life experiences (e.g. family events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces)?
• What do people say you do well or have a talent for or seek you out for?
• What do you consider your greatest achievements?
• What jobs have you had?
• What groups have you belonged to?
• What awards have you won?
• What lessons have you learned?
• What do you like to do for fun?
• What kind of “secret” talent do you have?

The goal of answering the questions is to capture as much about who you are and how you have been shaped to develop clear connections among the life elements and create themes. These themes can drive your personal story that can share on a deeper level who you are or who you are becoming.

Consider this scenario: Raphael has taken the time to write down his life experiences so he can build his personal narrative. Some of the answers to the questions above include the following:

• Raphael’s jobs: lifeguard, babysitter for his nieces and nephews, tutor, art teacher for elementary students
• Raphael’s hobbies and interests: watching old movies, volunteering at the library, creating original jewelry from natural objects
• Raphael’s awards and accolades: he won a writing contest in 11th grade, his friends come to him for advice, he has earned high grades in all of his classes
• Raphael’s major life events: parents divorced when he was 6 years old, he started a new school in junior high, his aunt passed away when he was 14 years old

From this short list, Raphael can begin to draw out themes that he can use to create a detailed picture of who he is. He has found himself in teaching roles with his jobs. He has a love for the arts as evidenced by his hobbies. He is a good communicator evidenced by his awards and accolades, and relationships are an important part of his life. Raphael can use those themes—and details from his experiences—to craft his story as someone who has demonstrated an interest in connecting with and helping others by sharing his expertise and experience.

Recognizing the themes in your life helps you to describe how you've become the person you are now, and helps you to understand who you will become.

"For me, becoming isn't about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn't end" —former First Lady Michelle Obama , Becoming (2018)

Analysis Question

In what ways is your academic journey in high school shaping your personal narrative? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become":

• The classes that you are taking
• The activities you participate in as part of school (e.g., sports, performing arts, etc.)
• The learning that you are doing outside of school (e.g., community language class)

In what ways are your personal experiences shaping your story? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become”:

• Major life events
• Favorite activities
• Awards and accomplishments
• Jobs or volunteer work
• 3 Brooks, K.(2010). You majored in what? Plume.

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• Authors: Amy Baldwin
• Publisher/website: OpenStax
• Book title: Preparing for College Success
• Publication date: Jul 12, 2023
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/preparing-for-college-success/pages/1-introduction
• Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/preparing-for-college-success/pages/1-2-your-academic-journey-and-personal-story

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An Educational Journey by Alicia

Aliciaof Abilene's entry into Varsity Tutor's December 2014 scholarship contest

An Educational Journey by Alicia - December 2014 Scholarship Essay

Ever since I was in elementary school, education has had a huge impact on my life, definitely shaping me into who I am today. I considered school my 'work' for a couple years in elementary since I wanted to be like my dad who went to work every morning. Overall, three aspects of education has made me the person I am today - challenging myself throughout the years, participating in organizations through my school that added to my personality, and attending a Christian university.

First, my academic achievement throughout my high school career was maintaining a 4.000 GPA, straight A’s, and taking four dual credit classes – Government, Physics, two English, and Advanced Debate. I challenged myself by holding a goal of being a valedictorian of my graduating class – and I reached it. Taking online classes to graduate early during the school year also challenged me, since I was graduating a year early. These challenges that I took on, and achieved, definitely helped shape me into me because it gives me strength and determination to always do the best I can with everything I have during college.

Throughout my high school career, I was involved in multiple extra-curricular activities. I was a member of the Speech and Debate Team and the concert and marching band, having been in both from 2011-2014. I was section leader of 12 flutes for two years in Marching Band. I played basketball in my freshman year, the fall and winter of 2011. I was also vice president in the National Junior Honor Society in 2011-2012 and was also a member of the National Honor Society. Girl Scouts was, and still is, a huge part of my life. For my Gold Award, I founded a non-profit organization called Forever Life that prevents suicide through journals. These extra-curricular activities are now all part of my personality because I spent so much time devoting myself to them that a little piece of my heart belongs to each one of these activities.

After graduating with valedictorian status, I am attending Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. There, I plan to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, and a minor in Business with a concentration in accounting. After graduating college, I plan on either going into the Air Force as an officer or being an employer of Logos Bible Software, because I love working for the Lord and living His will for me. Attending a Christian university is growing me into a stronger Christian because God is plainly in sight and I don't necessarily have to 'hide' my faith in Him. As a result, it has grown me closer to God so we have a better relationship.

In conclusion, I believe education is the main foundation for success. Even though some very successful individuals didn't have the education that I have had and am currently undertaking, I believe that education is the main reason for a large part of my personality and for the success that is to come, hopefully. Attending a Christian university has changed me into a better person, including Christ in everything more than before. Participating and leading extra-curricular activities has turned me into a leader and given me the social skills I now possess. Last but not least, challenging my academic level has given me a strong determination to solve problems that I encounter and to put forth the best effort that I can give in everything I do. Education is definitely the way to the future, and generations to come should believe in the good that it can bring.

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My First Memories Of Learning To Start School: A Journey Into Education

My first memories of starting school go back to when I was 6 years old. It was a pivotal moment for me, as I was finally going to embark on a journey of learning, something that I had eagerly anticipated. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as my parents dropped me off at the school gates.

Being in charge of my own learning was a new experience for me. Up until that point, my parents had always been there to teach me the basics of reading and writing, but now it was time for me to take the next step and learn from a real teacher.

In my first year of elementary school, I vividly remember my teacher, Mrs. Brown. She would always tell us that learning is a lifelong process and that we should always strive to improve ourselves. She used creative and realistic ways to make the subjects come alive, whether it was through interactive maps or hands-on science experiments.

One of the most memorable moments from my early schooling years was when Mrs. Brown taught us how to write our first essay. She had us analyze the narrative elements in the story of “The Three Little Pigs” and then write our own version of the tale. I remember feeling a mix of emotions as I put pen to paper, knowing that this would be my first real piece of writing. Mrs. Brown always encouraged us to be reflective and express our emotions through our writing.

Starting school also meant making new friends. I quickly formed a close bond with my classmates, and we became the besties who would always stick together. We would have lunch together, share our tiffin boxes, and daydream during boring lectures. These friendships made the difficult times easier and the high times more enjoyable.

As the years went by, I continued to learn and grow. From learning long division to analyzing Shakespeare’s plays, my education journey was filled with ups and downs. There were times when I struggled with homework and exams, but my parents were always there to support and guide me.

Looking back, I realize the impact that my early schooling had on shaping the person I am today. It taught me the importance of literacy, the love of learning, and the value of hard work. It also taught me how to interact with others, and be open to different perspectives.

Discovering the World of Education: My First Memories

When I was little, starting school felt like a big moment in my life. I was excited to learn new things and meet new friends. My journey into education began in grade 1, and I still remember my first day vividly.

I walked into the classroom with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The teacher welcomed me and introduced herself as Mrs. Johnson. She was a substitute teacher, as our regular teacher was on maternity leave. Mrs. Johnson was kind and patient, and she helped ease my fears about starting school.

I quickly learned the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Mrs. Johnson taught us how to add numbers together, and I was proud when I could solve simple addition problems like 3 + 6. We also learned about the world through maps and explored different topics in science. One of my favorite activities was learning about the surface of Mercury and how it differed from Earth.

While I enjoyed learning in school, I also loved reading outside of the classroom. I liked reading whatever I could get my hands on, from books to newspapers. One of my favorite books was “Winnie the Pooh,” and I would often get lost in the imaginative world of Hundred Acre Wood.

As I reflect on those early years of schooling, I realize how much those experiences shaped my love for learning. I learned how to analyze and research topics, write essays, and analyze documents. These skills have been invaluable throughout my life.

During that period, homework was not a major part of our young lives. Our teachers kept the homework to a minimum, allowing us to focus on classroom activities and learning through play. We had field trips to museums and zoos, which further enhanced our understanding of the world around us.

Recalling those moments now, I am grateful for the personal growth and knowledge I gained in those early years of education. It was during this time that I learned the importance of helping others and the value of public schooling. I remember some of the names of my classmates and the friends I made along the way.

Overall, my first memories of learning to start school were filled with curiosity, excitement, and a thirst for knowledge. Those early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and a desire to always seek out new opportunities for growth.

• Starting school in grade 1
• Meeting Mrs. Johnson, a substitute teacher
• Learning the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic
• Exploring topics in science, such as the surface of Mercury
• Finding joy in reading books like “Winnie the Pooh”
• Developing skills in research and analysis
• Enjoying classroom activities and field trips
• Appreciating the value of public schooling
• Gaining personal growth and helping others

The Excitement of Starting School

When I first entered the school building, I was in awe. The classrooms seemed so big and full of possibilities. I learned that I was now going to be a part of a class and have classmates. The thought of making new friends was both thrilling and daunting at the same time.

During the first few days, we were taught basic things like how to hold a pencil and write our names. We learned how to count from 1 to 10 and how to analyze simple shapes. English lessons were also a part of our daily routine. We were taught how to read simple words and sentences, and I remember feeling proud when I could read a sentence by myself.

One of the most memorable parts of starting school was the lunch break. As a young child, I always looked forward to having my tiffin with me. I loved sitting with my classmates and sharing stories while eating. I remember one day I dropped the tiffin, and everyone started laughing. It was embarrassing, but it taught me an important lesson to be careful and not to let my actions affect others.

Another thing that I remember vividly about starting school was the silence during exams. It was a different feeling, having to be quiet and concentrate on the tasks at hand. I remember using a long ruler and a duster as a substitute for those who did not bring their own. It was a small but significant memory from my early school days.

The school premises were always well-kept, and I have fond memories of the colorful classrooms and the clean bathrooms. The teachers were friendly and always encouraged us to learn and explore new things. The school also organized various activities and field trips, which added to the excitement of being in school.

Looking back, I realize how starting school was not just about academic learning but also about growing as an individual. It was a period of self-discovery and being in charge of my own education. I learned to be independent and take responsibility for my actions, as well as to collaborate with others and work as a team.

Starting school was not always easy, and there were times when I felt overwhelmed or struggled with certain subjects. But with the support of my teachers and classmates, I always found a way to overcome the difficulties. They became my besties and helped me navigate through the challenges.

Early Lessons: Reading and Writing Begin

I still remember my first teacher, Mrs. Winnie, who was in charge of our class. She had a warm and nurturing approach that made learning enjoyable. Mrs. Winnie used different activities and games to make the learning process fun and engaging.

One of the ways she taught us reading was through the use of flashcards. Each flashcard had a word written on it, and we had to read it aloud. Mrs. Winnie would then analyze our reading skills and provide helpful tips on pronunciation and comprehension. This method helped us associate words with their meanings, improving our vocabulary and reading abilities.

Writing, on the other hand, started with the basics. We learned how to write individual letters by tracing them on paper. Mrs. Winnie provided each of us with notebooks and pencils, and we spent hours practicing our penmanship. I still remember the feeling of pride when I could write my name without any help.

As we grew older, the lessons became more challenging. We started learning how to write sentences and paragraphs. Our vocabulary expanded, and we were encouraged to write short stories and essays. Mrs. Winnie taught us the importance of organizing our thoughts and expressing ourselves coherently.

Moments That Stood Out

One particular memory that stands out is when Mrs. Winnie gave us a science project. We had to create a presentation on a topic of our choice and present it to the class. I chose to talk about the solar system, and I was fascinated by the different planets and their unique characteristics.

Another memorable experience was when we had our first spelling bee. Mrs. Winnie would give us a list of words to study at home, and the next day, we would have an exam. I always felt a mix of excitement and nervousness during these spelling competitions. The feeling of accomplishment when I spelled all the words correctly was something I will never forget.

The Importance of Reading and Writing

Looking back, I realize the significance of those early lessons in reading and writing. They were the building blocks of our education, giving us the tools to navigate through different subjects and explore new ideas. Without a strong foundation in language, it would have been challenging to excel in other areas.

Reading and writing also had a profound impact on my emotional development. Through books, I could feel and experience different emotions, empathizing with characters and understanding their journeys. Writing, on the other hand, allowed me to express my own thoughts and feelings, giving me an outlet for self-expression.

These early lessons in reading and writing not only shaped my academic life but also fostered a love for learning that has stayed with me throughout the years. They were the first steps in a lifelong journey of knowledge and growth.

The Impact of Reading and Writing on Life

Reading and writing have always been a significant part of my life, starting from a young age. Even before I could fully comprehend the words on the page, I remember the emotions and the excitement that came from being read to by my parents. They would often read stories about Winnie the Pooh or Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? These early experiences with books and storytelling had a profound impact on me and laid the foundation for my love of reading.

As I grew older, my passion for reading became even more apparent. I would spend hours getting lost in the pages of a book, traveling to far-off places and experiencing things I could only dream of. Books became a way for me to explore different worlds and escape from the difficulties of daily life. They became a source of comfort and inspiration.

When I started elementary school, reading and writing became an integral part of my daily routine. I vividly remember the trips to the library with my class, where we would spend hours browsing the shelves and selecting books to take home. The moment I opened a new book and started reading was always exciting and full of anticipation.

Writing, on the other hand, was a more reflective and personal experience for me. I would often keep a journal where I would write down my thoughts and feelings. It was a way for me to process my emotions and make sense of the world around me. Writing became an outlet for self-expression, and it helped me explore my thoughts and ideas in a more meaningful way.

In school, writing took on a more academic tone. I learned how to structure essays and convey my thoughts and arguments in a clear and concise manner. It was during this phase that I realized the impact that words can have on others. The power of language to inform, persuade, and inspire became evident to me, and it sparked a desire to become a better writer.

Looking back, I can see how reading and writing have shaped my life in many ways. They have helped me become a more reflective thinker, a better communicator, and a lifelong learner. They have opened up new worlds and introduced me to different perspectives and ideas. They have given me the ability to connect with others and to understand the experiences and emotions of people different from myself.

Now, as a teacher, I strive to instill a love of reading and writing in my students. I know the impact that these skills can have on their lives and their futures. I encourage them to read widely and explore different genres and authors. I provide them with opportunities to write creatively and imaginatively. I want to empower them to become critical thinkers and effective communicators.

Unlocking the Power of Education: My Journey

Education has always played a central role in my life, shaping me into the person I am today. From my first day of kindergarten to the present day, my experiences with school have been instrumental in my growth and development.

I remember the excitement and nervousness I felt on my first day of school. I was six years old and eager to learn. As I walked into the classroom, I was greeted by colorful posters, maps on the wall, and a chalkboard with a duster resting on the tray. The teacher, Mrs. Brown, had a warm smile on her face as she welcomed each student. I immediately felt at ease, ready to embark on this new phase of my life.

While I was excited to start school, I was also a bit apprehensive about leaving my parents behind. However, as time passed, I made new friends, we created our own little world in the classroom with our notebooks and pencils, and together we learned how to read, write, and do basic math. These were the best times of my early school years.

One of my most vivid memories from elementary school is of the day I learned how to use the internet. I was nine years old, and our teacher showed us how to use Google to find information. It was like a treasure hunt, a journey into a world of endless knowledge. From that day on, Google became my new bestie.

Science was always my favorite subject. I loved conducting experiments and understanding how things worked. I remember a particular science project where we had to create a volcano using a tape, a bottle, and some baking soda. The day we made our volcanoes erupt, it felt like pure magic.

As I grew older, my love for writing and literacy became more apparent. I excelled in English and took great pride in my writing assignments. I remember writing my first autobiography in fourth grade. It was a non-fiction essay about my life up until that point, and it felt like a full-circle moment when I submitted it.

Reflective Memories and Impact on Others

While I have many fond memories of my school days, there were also times of struggle and self-doubt. I remember the anxiety of preparing for exams and the pressure to perform well in order to achieve good grades. It was during these times that I learned the importance of perseverance and hard work.

One memory that stands out is from the day I got my first bad grade. It was in a math exam, and I had studied hard but still didn’t do well. I was disappointed and felt like a failure. However, my teacher assured me that one grade doesn’t define me and encouraged me to keep trying. This moment taught me the importance of resilience and taught me that failure is just a temporary setback.

As I reflect on my journey through education, I realize the impact it has had on my life and the lives of others. Education has not only taught me academic knowledge but also life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. It has given me the tools to navigate through life and pursue my dreams.

Education has not only shaped me as an individual but has also influenced those around me. I have become a source of inspiration for my younger siblings and cousins, encouraging them to take their education seriously and strive for excellence.

Tips for a Reflective Essay

Through education, I have unlocked the power to dream big, to challenge myself, and to make a positive impact on the world. Looking back, I am grateful for all the memories I have created and the lessons I have learned. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about becoming a well-rounded individual who can make a difference.

How old were you when you started school?

I was five years old when I started elementary school.

What was your first day of elementary school like?

My first day of elementary school was both exciting and nerve-wracking. I remember feeling a mix of emotions as I walked through the school doors for the first time.

Who was your first teacher?

My first teacher in elementary school was Mrs. Johnson. She was a kind and patient teacher who made the transition into school much easier for me.

Did you have any friends in your first year of school?

I made some friends during my first year of school, but it took time for me to feel comfortable and find my place in a new social environment.

What is your fondest memory from your first year of school?

My fondest memory from my first year of school is when we had a field trip to the local zoo. It was an exciting day and I remember learning so much about different animals.

By Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics. His scientific research has been published in the most reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California , and a TEFL certification from The Boston Language Institute.

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• Knowledge Base
• How to conclude an essay | Interactive example

How to Conclude an Essay | Interactive Example

Published on January 24, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay . A strong conclusion aims to:

• Tie together the essay’s main points
• Show why your argument matters
• Leave the reader with a strong impression

Your conclusion should give a sense of closure and completion to your argument, but also show what new questions or possibilities it has opened up.

This conclusion is taken from our annotated essay example , which discusses the history of the Braille system. Hover over each part to see why it’s effective.

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

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Table of contents

Step 1: return to your thesis, step 2: review your main points, step 3: show why it matters, what shouldn’t go in the conclusion, more examples of essay conclusions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay conclusion.

To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument.

Don’t just repeat your thesis statement —instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction.

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Next, remind the reader of the main points that you used to support your argument.

Avoid simply summarizing each paragraph or repeating each point in order; try to bring your points together in a way that makes the connections between them clear. The conclusion is your final chance to show how all the paragraphs of your essay add up to a coherent whole.

To wrap up your conclusion, zoom out to a broader view of the topic and consider the implications of your argument. For example:

• Does it contribute a new understanding of your topic?
• Does it raise new questions for future study?
• Does it lead to practical suggestions or predictions?
• Can it be applied to different contexts?
• Can it be connected to a broader debate or theme?

Whatever your essay is about, the conclusion should aim to emphasize the significance of your argument, whether that’s within your academic subject or in the wider world.

Try to end with a strong, decisive sentence, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of interest in your topic.

The easiest way to improve your conclusion is to eliminate these common mistakes.

Don’t include new evidence

Any evidence or analysis that is essential to supporting your thesis statement should appear in the main body of the essay.

The conclusion might include minor pieces of new information—for example, a sentence or two discussing broader implications, or a quotation that nicely summarizes your central point. But it shouldn’t introduce any major new sources or ideas that need further explanation to understand.

Don’t use “concluding phrases”

Avoid using obvious stock phrases to tell the reader what you’re doing:

• “In conclusion…”
• “To sum up…”

These phrases aren’t forbidden, but they can make your writing sound weak. By returning to your main argument, it will quickly become clear that you are concluding the essay—you shouldn’t have to spell it out.

Don’t undermine your argument

Avoid using apologetic phrases that sound uncertain or confused:

• “This is just one approach among many.”
• “There are good arguments on both sides of this issue.”
• “There is no clear answer to this problem.”

Even if your essay has explored different points of view, your own position should be clear. There may be many possible approaches to the topic, but you want to leave the reader convinced that yours is the best one!

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• Argumentative
• Literary analysis

This conclusion is taken from an argumentative essay about the internet’s impact on education. It acknowledges the opposing arguments while taking a clear, decisive position.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

This conclusion is taken from a short expository essay that explains the invention of the printing press and its effects on European society. It focuses on giving a clear, concise overview of what was covered in the essay.

The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.

This conclusion is taken from a literary analysis essay about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein . It summarizes what the essay’s analysis achieved and emphasizes its originality.

By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

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Your essay’s conclusion should contain:

• A rephrased version of your overall thesis
• A brief review of the key points you made in the main body
• An indication of why your argument matters

The conclusion may also reflect on the broader implications of your argument, showing how your ideas could applied to other contexts or debates.

For a stronger conclusion paragraph, avoid including:

• Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the main body
• Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion…”)
• Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g. “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

The conclusion paragraph of an essay is usually shorter than the introduction . As a rule, it shouldn’t take up more than 10–15% of the text.

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McCombes, S. (2023, July 23). How to Conclude an Essay | Interactive Example. Scribbr. Retrieved March 28, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/conclusion/

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How to Write a College Transfer Essay (With Examples)

Lisa Freedland is a Scholarships360 writer with personal experience in psychological research and content writing. She has written content for an online fact-checking organization and has conducted research at the University of Southern California as well as the University of California, Irvine. Lisa graduated from the University of Southern California in Fall 2021 with a degree in Psychology.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 1.2 million students are enrolled in college as a transfer student. Students may transfer for a variety of reasons ranging from academics to athletics to geography.

If you are in the process of transferring colleges it’s likely that you will have to write a personal essay as part of your transfer admissions process. Ultimately, there’s no one way to write a college transfer essay. Everyone is unique, and this individuality should shine through in your essays.

However, there are some recommended things to include, and even a real example essay that was used to successfully transfer college! In this post, we’ll help you write a powerful transfer essay so you can tell your story to the admissions committee.

Jump ahead to…

• Do’s and don’ts
• Why did you choose your current school?

What are your main reasons for transferring out of your current school?

Why do you want to attend the transfer school.

• Example essay

Additional resources

• Key takeaways
• Frequently asked questions

College transfer essays: The do’s and don’ts

Before we start, we want to cover a few basics do’s and don’ts about what your transfer essays should be about.

• Elaborate on how your current school has helped you progress towards your goals. Positivity is always a good thing!
• Research your prospective school (e.g. specific classes, organizations, opportunities) for why you want to go there.
• Make sure to follow the standard/correct essay format! Transfer essay prompts may vary from college to college so you should make sure that you’re answering the exact question.
• Use up your limited word count by listing negative aspects about your current school. Instead, focus on how it has helped you grow, but how another school could further help you develop your interests/passions 
• List a group of random classes or opportunities available at your new school. Mention opportunities you’re (genuinely) interested in that relate to your goals and passions – make sure you’re telling a story through your essay.
• Copy your initial admissions essay (the one that you used when applying to colleges in high school) – you’ve changed a lot during your time in college so you will want to write a brand new essay.

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What is the goal of the transfer essay.

Potential transfer students should know that not all colleges and universities require transfer essays, so when in doubt definitely check-in with the college in question for clarification. For the purposes of this article and the sample transfer essay, we’ll be using this prompt:

Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. 

Most colleges will be interested in learning why you want to transfer and how transferring will help you achieve your goals. However, specific prompts will vary from college to college, so you should definitely pay attention to the specific prompt you are asked to respond to.

Some of the common questions you’ll come across include:

• How will your transfer school help you accomplish your goals?

Below I’ll break down how to respond to each of these questions and include an example from a successful transfer essay.

Also see: Can you transfer into an ivy league school?

Why did you choose your current school? 

To answer this question, you’ll have to go back in time when you were in 12th grade and selecting your college. Did you choose the college because it had a program you liked? Maybe you really wanted to take classes with a specific professor? Maybe you thought you wanted to attend college in a specific part of the world? Whatever the reason you should lay it out in the most factual way possible.

Here’s how I responded to this question:

Just like Jeopardy, Criminal Minds is also a show that I have watched from a very young age, and one that I continue to watch quite regularly. Being exposed to this interesting world of FBI profilers for so long inspired me to want to dive into the world of psychology myself. Due to this, I originally chose the University of Wisconsin, Madison for its amazing psychology program, and because I wanted to try something new. Being from California, this “something new” came in the form of watching snow fall from the sky, seeing cheese curds being sold in all the grocery stores, and simply living somewhere far away from home.

Also see: How to write a 250 word essay

This is always an important question for transfer admissions officers: why did your current college not work out? We recommend that students be as honest as possible and stick to the facts (as opposed to simply complaining about your current school).

Students have very different reasons for changing schools, which often depend on what type of school you’re transferring from (a 2-year or 4-year). While many community college students transfer because their plans did work out and they’ve accomplished what they wanted to at their school, those transferring from four-year universities often do so for less positive reasons (which was my experience).

If the situation at your college didn’t exactly pan out as you thought it would, you should also try to talk about some of the ways you are making the most of the situation. This shows the admissions officers that despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, you have continued to learn, grow, and contribute to your community.

Here’s how I accomplished this:

Arriving in Wisconsin, I got exactly what I wanted: an amazing psychology program and the experience of being somewhere quite different from the place I called home. My classes were interesting, my professors were helpful and caring, and experiencing the first snow was quite exciting. However, as winter progressed, walking back from class everyday under the progressively gloomier sky seemed to be a cruel reminder that I was no longer in sunny Southern California. While eating dinner in our many dining halls, I always viewed the wide array of food available: quesadillas, Chinese food, burgers, even pecan pie. The food was all delicious, but going day after day without even seeing Korean food once made me miss those fun dinners with my family. Back at my dorm, my “home away from home”, it started to feel like anything but being at home. To feel more comfortable where I was, I decided to pursue things I liked, and that I was familiar with. My passion for psychology led me to join the university’s Psychology Club, where I was able to learn about recent revelations within the field of psychology, furthering my interest in the subject. 

Going through the admissions process as a transfer student is interesting, because you have learned a lot about yourself and your preferences at your first college. This should provide you with a great perspective on what you are looking for next.

The two major things you’ll want to accomplish when answering this question are why the transfer college in question is a good fit for you and how it can help you accomplish your goals as a student.

Specificity is always more ideal here so you can show that you have spent some time thinking about what you want and also how the new college fits.

Here’s how I did this:

I plan on using the knowledge I gain in psychology, either from organizations or classes, to help people. I want to one day apply this knowledge to research, to discover possible methods to help the people suffering from the psychological problems I study. Alternatively, I hope to use this knowledge as a criminal profiler, using my understanding of psychology to narrow down pools of suspects.  To be able to accomplish either of these, I need to develop a much deeper understanding of both people’s motivations for the things they do as well as of the many psychological issues people face. For these reasons, I am very excited at the prospect of exploring and enrolling in the classes offered by USC’s Department of Psychology. In particular, Psych 360: Abnormal Psychology would be an amazing introduction to psychological disorders and their causes. Psych 314L: Research Methods would then help me put this knowledge about disorders to good use by teaching me how to properly conduct research and find possible solutions for people’s problems.

College transfer essays: an example

Here we go! Throughout this article, I’ve shown you my college essay divided into sections, and now’s time for the full thing. I can honestly say that this essay had a 100% success rate! Without further ado, here is my full college transfer essay (and prompt):

Prompt: Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. 

I wake up from my daily after-school nap to realize that it is already dinner time. As I walk downstairs, I smell the delicious fragrance coming from my mom’s samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup), one of my favorite meals. Soon enough, everyone sits down to watch the newest episode of Jeopardy , a tradition we’ve had going on for as long as I can remember. As I take that first sip of samgyetang, and miss yet another geography question on Jeopardy – and wait for my family to inevitably tease me about it – I feel at home, like I am somewhere that I belong. Wherever I go, I hope I can encounter that same warm feeling. Just like Jeopardy , Criminal Minds is also a show that I have watched from a very young age, and one that I continue to watch quite regularly. Being exposed to this interesting world of FBI profilers for so long inspired me to want to dive into the world of psychology myself. Due to this, I originally chose the University of Wisconsin, Madison for its amazing psychology program, and because I wanted to try something new. Being from California, this “something new” came in the form of watching snow fall from the sky, seeing cheese curds being sold in all the grocery stores, and simply living somewhere far away from home. Arriving in Wisconsin, I got exactly what I wanted: an amazing psychology program and the experience of being somewhere quite different from the place I called home. My classes were interesting, my professors were helpful and caring, and experiencing the first snow was quite exciting. However, as winter progressed, walking back from class everyday under the progressively gloomier sky seemed to be a cruel reminder that I was no longer in sunny Southern California. While eating dinner in our many dining halls, I always viewed the wide array of food available: quesadillas, Chinese food, burgers, even pecan pie. The food was all delicious, but going day after day without even seeing Korean food once, it made me miss those fun dinners with my family. Back at my dorm, my “home away from home,” it started to feel like anything but being at home. To feel more comfortable where I was, I decided to pursue things I liked, and that I was familiar with. My passion for psychology led me to join the university’s Psychology Club, where I was able to learn about recent revelations within the field of psychology, furthering my interest in the subject. I plan on using the knowledge I gain in psychology, either from organizations or classes, to help people. I want to one day apply this knowledge to research, to discover possible methods to help the people suffering from the psychological problems I study. Alternatively, I hope to use this knowledge as a criminal profiler, using my understanding of psychology to narrow down pools of suspects.  To be able to accomplish either of these, I need to develop a much deeper understanding of both people’s motivations for the things they do as well as of the many psychological issues people face. For these reasons, I am very excited at the prospect of exploring and enrolling in the classes offered by USC’s Department of Psychology. In particular, Psych 360: Abnormal Psychology would be an amazing introduction to psychological disorders and their causes. Psych 314L: Research Methods would then help me put this knowledge about disorders to good use by teaching me how to properly conduct research and find possible solutions for people’s problems. With so many opportunities available at USC, I hope to not only help others feel more comfortable, but to find a second home for myself after all.

And that’s it! This essay touches on all of the tips listed above, and should serve as helpful inspiration as you begin your writing. Hopefully, it gives you an idea of how to integrate everything you should mention in a cohesive essay. With that, I wish you good luck with your college transfer essays (and applications)!

Don’t miss: What looks good on a college application?

If you finish your essay and still have questions about the transfer process, consider checking out these Scholarships360 resources:

• How to transfer colleges
• How to transfer from a community college
• Top scholarships for transfer students
• How to choose a college
• What’s the difference between a private and public university?

Key Takeaways

• Explain why you want to transfer, what you need that you are not getting at your current school, and why you chose your current school to begin with
• Always present things in a positive light
• Share how the transfer school will help you achieve your goals and why you are a good fit for the school

Frequently asked questions about writing college transfer essays 

How are college transfer essays different from regular application essays, do all schools require transfer essays, can i reuse my old college essays for a transfer, what should you not say in a transfer essay, scholarships360 recommended.

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Scholarship Essay Writing

Scholarship Essay Examples

Winning Scholarship Essay Examples for Students: Tips Included

37 min read

Published on: Mar 14, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Scholarship Essay - A Complete Writing Guide

Scholarship Essay Format - A Complete Guide

Most Popular Scholarship Essay Prompts & Questions

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Many students face financial barriers when it comes to pursuing higher education. The rising costs of tuition, books, and other educational expenses can be overwhelming. 

This is why the scholarships offer a lifeline by providing financial aid to students, but the competition is fierce. 

That's where CollegeEssay.org comes in. 

In this blog post, we are providing scholarship essay examples that will inspire and guide you in creating your own exceptional essay. 

These examples serve as beacons of success, offering valuable insights into the art of scholarship essay writing. 

So, without further ado, let’s get started. 

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Scholarship Essay Examples Financial Need

Why this scholarship essay worked.

This scholarship essay example effectively conveys the applicant's financial need and their determination to overcome the challenges associated with it. Here's why this essay worked:

• Personal Storytelling: The essay begins with a personal anecdote that establishes a connection between the applicant's background and financial constraints. This helps create empathy and demonstrates the genuine impact of financial challenges on their educational journey.
• Resilience and Resourcefulness: The applicant showcases their resilience and resourcefulness in navigating financial hardships. They highlight their proactive approach to seeking part-time employment and actively pursuing scholarships.
• Academic Commitment: Despite the financial strain, the applicant emphasizes their commitment to academic excellence by maintaining a high GPA. This showcases their dedication and ability to prioritize their studies amidst challenging circumstances.
• Community Involvement : The essay also highlights the applicant's involvement in community service. This demonstrates their desire to give back and make a positive impact.
• Connection to Scholarship: The applicant clearly articulates how receiving the scholarship would benefit them. This demonstrates a strong alignment between their goals and the purpose of the scholarship.

Want more examples, check out these winning scholarship essay examples.

Financial Aid Scholarship Essay

Scholarship Essay for Financial Need

Scholarship Essay Examples About Yourself

Why this essay worked.

This scholarship essay worked for several reasons, such as:

• It effectively showcases the applicant's passion for mathematics, community engagement, and resilience.
• It compellingly conveyed the applicant's dedication, ambition, and potential for making a positive impact. This makes them a deserving candidate for the scholarship.
• Clear connection to the scholarship's goals and how it would further the applicant's educational journey and impact.

Here are some scholarship essay examples about yourself; get an idea from them, and create a successful essay.

Scholarship Essay Example About Yourself

Scholarship Essay About Yourself

Scholarship Essay Examples for Nursing

Why this essay worked.

This essay worked due to its compelling portrayal of the applicant's genuine passion for nursing, coupled with their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in patient care.

The essay effectively demonstrates the applicant's well-rounded preparation for a nursing career and their clear alignment with the goals and mission of the scholarship, making them a strong candidate for consideration.

Below are some more examples of scholarship essays for nursing.

Nursing Scholarship Essay

Scholarship Essay for Nursing

Scholarship Essay Examples About Career Goals

This essay worked for the following reasons:

• Clear and Specific Career Goals: The essay effectively outlines the applicant's career goal of becoming a clinical psychologist specializing in mental health support. The clarity and specificity of the goal demonstrate a well-defined path and a strong sense of purpose.
• Demonstrated Preparation and Commitment: The essay showcases the applicant's comprehensive preparation for their career goals. It also demonstrates their readiness and dedication to excel in the field.
• Alignment with Scholarship Objectives: The essay effectively highlights how the scholarship will contribute to the applicant's career aspirations. This includes attending conferences, workshops, and advanced training programs.

If you find difficulty writing the scholarship essay about career goals, get help from the below-mentioned examples, and submit a well-written essay.

Scholarship Essay Examples About Leadership

Three reasons why this essay worked are:

• Demonstrated Leadership Experience : This essay effectively highlights the applicant's practical experience in leadership roles, showcasing their ability to lead teams, organize events, and coordinate volunteers.
• Commitment to Personal Growth : The essay demonstrates the applicant's proactive approach to leadership development by seeking formal training and participating in workshops focused on honing their skills. 
• Emphasis on Collaboration and Empowerment: The essay emphasizes the applicant's belief in collaborative leadership. It promotes inclusivity and empowers team members to contribute their unique perspectives. 

Here we gather some good scholarship essay examples about leadership that help in your writing.

Leadership Scholarship Essay Example

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Scholarship Essay Examples About Community Service

Here are the reasons:

• Genuine Passion and Commitment: The essay effectively conveys the applicant's genuine passion for community service, highlighting their long-standing involvement and the transformative impact it has had on their life. 
• Integration of Service with Education: The essay demonstrates the applicant's proactive approach to integrating their passion for community service with their educational pursuits.
• Aspiration for Social Change: The essay goes beyond personal experiences and highlights the applicant's aspirations for broader social change.

Here is an excellent community service scholarship essa y that can help you write for community college.

Scholarship Essay Example about Community Service

High School Scholarship Essay Examples

• Clear and Convincing Goals: The essay effectively communicates the applicant's strong desire to pursue higher education despite financial constraints.
• Demonstrated Leadership and Well-Roundedness: The essay showcases the applicant's involvement in extracurricular activities. It highlights their ability to balance academic responsibilities with active participation in clubs, sports teams, and community service initiatives.
• Emphasis on Giving Back and Community Engagement: The essay not only focuses on the applicant's personal aspirations but also highlights their commitment to giving back to their community.

The following are the best high school scholarship essay examples, use this for your help, and write an attention-grabbing essay.

Scholarship Essay Example for High School

Scholarship Essay for High School

Scholarship Essay Examples for University

Why this essay works.

Three reasons why this essay works are:

• Strong Personal Motivation: The essay effectively communicates the applicant's unwavering commitment and determination to pursue a university education.
• Articulation of Long-Term Goals and Social Impact: The essay goes beyond highlighting the applicant's academic achievements and financial needs. It emphasizes the applicant's desire to contribute to their community and make a positive impact on society.
• The connection between Scholarship and Applicant's Potential: The essay effectively illustrates how receiving the scholarship would directly address the financial burden. Plus, it will enable the applicant to fully embrace the university experience.

Here are some excellent scholarship essay examples for university students that help you in writing the essay.

Scholarship Essay Example for University Students

Scholarship Essay Examples for Engineering

This essay worked because of the following reasons:

• Passion and Commitment: The essay effectively conveys the applicant's deep passion for engineering. It also shows their genuine commitment to making a positive impact in this field.
• Alignment with Scholarship Objectives: It clearly establishes the connection between the scholarship and the applicant's goals in engineering.
• Future Impact and Growth: It also communicates the applicant's aspiration to contribute to the field of engineering and make a positive difference in the world.

The following is another scholarship essay example that can help you in creating the perfect essay on your own.

Scholarship Essay Examples for Masters

This essay worked for several reasons:

• Clear Purpose and Goal: The essay effectively conveys the applicant's clear purpose and goal of pursuing a master's degree. It highlights the transformative impact that a master's degree can have on personal and professional growth.
• Financial Need and Scholarship Alignment : The essay addresses the financial challenges associated with pursuing a master's degree. It demonstrates the direct alignment between the scholarship and the applicant's needs.
• Impact and Giving Back : The essay goes beyond personal aspirations and emphasizes the applicant's intention to make a broader impact on their community and society.

Here is an example that you can use as a guide and write a perfect scholarship essay.

Why Should You Receive this Scholarship Essay Examples

Three brief reasons why this essay worked are:

• Clear and Convincing Arguments : The essay presents concise and compelling arguments to support the applicant's case for receiving the scholarship.
• Personal Connection : It demonstrates how receiving the scholarship would directly impact the applicant's academic journey
• Gratitude and Future Commitment : It expresses sincere gratitude for the opportunity and emphasizes the applicant's commitment to making the most of the scholarship.

Here is an example, take help from them for your scholarship essay.

Why Should You Receive this Scholarship Essay Example

Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay Examples

• Compelling Personal Story: The essay effectively presents the applicant's personal story and highlights their dedication and commitment to their education
• Addressing Academic Excellence and Financial Need : The essay successfully addresses both academic excellence and financial need, which are two crucial aspects considered by scholarship committees.
• Commitment to Making an Impact: The essay goes beyond the applicant's personal goals and emphasizes their dedication to making a positive impact in their community. 

Here’s another example for this scholarship essay below:

Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay Example

Tips for Writing the Effective Scholarship Essay

When it comes to writing an effective scholarship essay, there are several key tips to keep in mind. 

By following these guidelines, you can maximize your chances of standing out and impressing scholarship selection committees. 

Here are some essential tips to help you craft a compelling scholarship essay:

• Understand the Prompt

Take the time to thoroughly understand the essay prompt or topic provided by the scholarship provider. Pay attention to any specific instructions or guidelines given.

• Research the Scholarship

Familiarize yourself with the organization or institution offering the scholarship. Understand their values, mission, and objectives. This knowledge will help you align your essay with their goals and demonstrate your fit for the scholarship.

• Tell Your Unique Story

Use the essay as an opportunity to showcase your personal experiences, like obstacles you might encounter, achievements, and aspirations. Highlight what sets you apart from other applicants. Be authentic and genuine in conveying your story, like overcoming personal failures.

• Start with a Compelling Introduction

Grab the reader's attention from the beginning with a strong and captivating introduction. Consider starting with a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful statement.

• Structure Your Essay

Organize your essay into a clear and logical structure. Start with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs that support your main points, and end with a concise and impactful conclusion.

• Be Concise and Specific

Scholarship essays often have a word or character limits, so make every word count. Be concise in your writing and avoid unnecessary fluff. Focus on providing specific examples and details that support your claims.

• Showcase Your Achievements

Highlight your academic accomplishments, extracurricular involvements, community service, leadership roles, or any other relevant achievements. Link them to the values and goals of the scholarship.

• Address the Selection Criteria

Ensure that your essay addresses the selection criteria specified by the scholarship provider. If they are looking for specific qualities or skills, tailor your essay to showcase how you possess those attributes.

In conclusion, writing an effective scholarship essay is a crucial step in securing the financial aid you need for your education. 

By following the tips outlined here, you can enhance your essay-writing skills and create a compelling narrative that captivates scholarship selection committees.

Be authentic, concise, and specific in your writing. Tailor your essay to align with the values and objectives of the scholarship provider. And above all, believe in yourself and your potential to make a difference through education.

If you're seeking further guidance and support in your scholarship essay writing journey, consider partnering with our AI essay writing tools !

We also have a team of experienced and professional essay writers who can provide personal essay writing service with valuable insights. 

Hire our college paper writing service  today and take the next step towards securing the financial aid you deserve.

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Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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Should college essays touch on race? Some feel affirmative action ruling leaves no choice

When the supreme court ended affirmative action in higher education, it left the college essay as one of few places where race can play a role in admissions..

By The Associated Press

5:20 AM on Mar 28, 2024 CDT

CHICAGO — When she started writing her college essay, Hillary Amofa told the story she thought admissions offices wanted to hear. About being the daughter of immigrants from Ghana and growing up in a small apartment in Chicago. About hardship and struggle.

Then she deleted it all.

“I would just find myself kind of trauma-dumping,” said the 18-year-old senior at Lincoln Park High School in Chicago. “And I’m just like, this doesn’t really say anything about me as a person.”

When the Supreme Court ended affirmative action in higher education, it left the college essay as one of few places where race can play a role in admissions decisions. For many students of color, instantly more was riding on the already high-stakes writing assignment. Some say they felt pressure to exploit their hardships as they competed for a spot on campus.

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Related: Gov. Abbott issues executive order fighting antisemitism at Texas colleges

Amofa was just starting to think about her essay when the court issued its decision, and it left her with a wave of questions. Could she still write about her race? Could she be penalized for it? She wanted to tell colleges about her heritage but she didn’t want to be defined by it.

In English class, Amofa and her classmates read sample essays that all seemed to focus on some trauma or hardship. It left her with the impression she had to write about her life’s hardest moments to show how far she’d come. But she and some of her classmates wondered if their lives had been hard enough to catch the attention of admissions offices.

“For a lot of students, there’s a feeling of, like, having to go through something so horrible to feel worthy of going to school, which is kind of sad,” said Amofa, the daughter of a hospital technician and an Uber driver.

This year’s senior class is the first in decades to navigate college admissions without affirmative action. The Supreme Court upheld the practice in decisions going back to the 1970s, but this court’s conservative supermajority found it is unconstitutional for colleges to give students extra weight because of their race alone.

Still, the decision left room for race to play an indirect role: Chief Justice John Roberts wrote universities can still consider how an applicant’s life was shaped by their race, “so long as that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability.”

“A benefit to a student who overcame racial discrimination, for example, must be tied to that student’s courage and determination,” he wrote.

Scores of colleges responded with new essay prompts asking about students’ backgrounds. Brown University asked applicants how “an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you.” Rice University asked students how their perspectives were shaped by their “background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity.”

Do schools ‘expect a sob story’?

When Darrian Merritt started writing his essay, he knew the stakes were higher than ever because of the court’s decision. His first instinct was to write about events that led to him going to live with his grandmother as a child.

Those were painful memories, but he thought they might play well at schools like Yale, Stanford and Vanderbilt.

“I feel like the admissions committee might expect a sob story or a tragic story,” said Merritt, a senior in Cleveland. “And if you don’t provide that, then maybe they’re not going to feel like you went through enough to deserve having a spot at the university. I wrestled with that a lot.”

Related: Texas colleges risk millions if they break DEI ban, lawmaker says

He wrote drafts focusing on his childhood, but it never amounted to more than a collection of memories. Eventually he abandoned the idea and aimed for an essay that would stand out for its positivity.

Merritt wrote about a summer camp where he started to feel more comfortable in his own skin. He described embracing his personality and defying his tendency to please others. The essay had humor — it centered on a water gun fight where he had victory in sight but, in a comedic twist, slipped and fell. But the essay also reflects on his feelings of not being “Black enough” and getting made fun of for listening to “white people music.”

“I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to write this for me, and we’re just going to see how it goes,’” he said. “It just felt real, and it felt like an honest story.”

The essay describes a breakthrough as he learned “to take ownership of myself and my future by sharing my true personality with the people I encounter. ... I realized that the first chapter of my own story had just been written.”

Ruling prompts pivots on essay topics

Like many students, Max Decker of Portland, Ore., had drafted a college essay on one topic, only to change direction after the Supreme Court ruling in June.

Decker initially wrote about his love for video games. In a childhood surrounded by constant change, navigating his parents’ divorce, the games he took from place to place on his Nintendo DS were a source of comfort.

But the essay he submitted to colleges focused on the community he found through Word is Bond, a leadership group for young Black men in Portland.

As the only biracial, Jewish kid with divorced parents in a predominantly white, Christian community, Decker wrote he constantly felt like the odd one out. On a trip with Word is Bond to Capitol Hill, he and friends who looked just like him shook hands with lawmakers. The experience, he wrote, changed how he saw himself.

“It’s because I’m different that I provide something precious to the world, not the other way around,” he wrote.

As a first-generation college student, Decker thought about the subtle ways his peers seemed to know more about navigating the admissions process. They made sure to get into advanced classes at the start of high school, and they knew how to secure glowing letters of recommendation.

If writing about race would give him a slight edge and show admissions officers a fuller picture of his achievements, he wanted to take that small advantage.

His first memory about race, Decker said, was when he went to get a haircut in elementary school and the barber made rude comments about his curly hair. Until recently, the insecurity that moment created led him to keep his hair buzzed short.

Related: Dallas approves more than $30 million in contracts to improve sidewalks citywide

Through Word is Bond, Decker said he found a space to explore his identity as a Black man. It was one of the first times he was surrounded by Black peers and saw Black role models. It filled him with a sense of pride in his identity. No more buzzcut.

The pressure to write about race involved a tradeoff with other important things in his life, Decker said. That included his passion for journalism, like the piece he wrote on efforts to revive a once-thriving Black neighborhood in Portland. In the end, he squeezed in 100 characters about his journalism under the application’s activities section.

“My final essay, it felt true to myself. But the difference between that and my other essay was the fact that it wasn’t the truth that I necessarily wanted to share,” said Decker, whose top college choice is Tulane, in New Orleans, because of the region’s diversity. “It felt like I just had to limit the truth I was sharing to what I feel like the world is expecting of me.”

Spelling out the impact of race

Before the Supreme Court ruling, it seemed a given to Imani Laird that colleges would consider the ways that race had touched her life. But now, she felt like she had to spell it out.

As she started her essay, she reflected on how she had faced bias or felt overlooked as a Black student in predominantly white spaces.

There was the year in math class when the teacher kept calling her by the name of another Black student. There were the comments that she’d have an easier time getting into college because she was Black.

Related: Federal appeals court questions legality of Texas immigration law

“I didn’t have it easier because of my race,” said Laird, a senior at Newton South High School in the Boston suburbs who was accepted at Wellesley and Howard University, and is waiting to hear from several Ivy League colleges. “I had stuff I had to overcome.”

In her final essays, she wrote about her grandfather, who served in the military but was denied access to GI Bill benefits because of his race.

She described how discrimination fueled her ambition to excel and pursue a career in public policy.

“So, I never settled for mediocrity,” she wrote. “Regardless of the subject, my goal in class was not just to participate but to excel. Beyond academics, I wanted to excel while remembering what started this motivation in the first place.”

Will schools lose racial diversity?

Amofa used to think affirmative action was only a factor at schools like Harvard and Yale. After the court’s ruling, she was surprised to find that race was taken into account even at some public universities she was applying to.

Now, without affirmative action, she wondered if mostly white schools will become even whiter.

It’s been on her mind as she chooses between Indiana University and the University of Dayton, both of which have relatively few Black students. When she was one of the only Black students in her grade school, she could fall back on her family and Ghanaian friends at church. At college, she worries about loneliness.

“That’s what I’m nervous about,” she said. “Going and just feeling so isolated, even though I’m constantly around people.”

The first drafts of her essay focused on growing up in a low-income family, sharing a bedroom with her brother and grandmother. But it didn’t tell colleges about who she is now, she said.

Her final essay tells how she came to embrace her natural hair. She wrote about going to a mostly white grade school where classmates made jokes about her afro. When her grandmother sent her back with braids or cornrows, they made fun of those too.

Over time, she ignored their insults and found beauty in the styles worn by women in her life. She now runs a business doing braids and other hairstyles in her neighborhood.

“I stopped seeing myself through the lens of the European traditional beauty standards and started seeing myself through the lens that I created,” Amofa wrote.

“Criticism will persist, but it loses its power when you know there’s a crown on your head!”

By Collin Binkley, Annie Ma and Noreen Nasir of The Associated Press

The Associated Press

Lawyers make opening arguments in trial of Dallas doctor accused of tampering with IV bags

Severe weather hits texas; nws issues thunderstorm watch for dallas, tarrant counties, kc chiefs wr rashee rice retains counsel, says he’s cooperating with dallas authorities, youth minister fatally shot in southeast oak cliff; man arrested, dallas police say, person diagnosed with bird flu after exposure to infected dairy cattle in texas.

Bay Shore case shows we must confront sexual abuse in schools

The allegations against teacher Thomas Bernagozzi, of the Bay Shore school district, are troubling and a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our children within the educational system. Credit: James Carbone

Recent reports of sexual abuse cases involving educators have once again brought the issue of safeguarding our children to the forefront of public discourse. Allegations against individuals like retired teacher Thomas Bernagozzi of the Bay Shore school district, and countless others nationwide, make clear we must address the systemic failures that allow such misconduct to occur and persist.

The allegations against Bernagozzi are troubling and a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our children within the educational system. Schools should be places of safety, trust, and growth; when those entrusted with our children’s education and well-being betray that trust, the repercussions are profound and long-lasting.

It is essential that we acknowledge the courage of survivors who come forward to share their stories, often in the face of skepticism and institutional resistance. Their bravery underscores the urgency for comprehensive reforms in how schools prevent, respond to, and address instances of sexual abuse.

First and foremost, accountability must be at the forefront of any response. Institutions must conduct thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of abuse, and perpetrators must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. This includes not only criminal prosecution but also civil remedies.

This guest essay reflects the views of Ralph Kohl, a graduate of Bay Shore schools, former state Assembly staff member, and government affairs professional specializing in health care in Alexandria, Virginia.

We also must prioritize prevention through education and training for educators, students, and parents. This includes fostering open dialogue about boundaries, consent, and healthy relationships from an early age, as well as implementing robust policies and procedures for reporting and addressing instances of misconduct.

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Beyond individual cases, we must also confront the broader cultural and systemic factors that enable sexual abuse to occur unchecked. This includes challenging harmful power dynamics, dismantling barriers to reporting, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within schools.

Ultimately, confronting sexual abuse in schools requires a collective effort from educators, administrators, lawmakers, and the broader community. It is incumbent on all of us to stand in solidarity with survivors, to demand accountability from those in positions of power, and to work tirelessly to ensure that every child has the right to learn and thrive in an environment free from fear and harm.

One of the most concerning aspects in Bay Shore is the apparent repetition of mistakes by the current administration, mirroring the mishandlings of past cases. By not believing their former students, victim-shaming, and failing to accept accountability, administrators not only undermine the trust of current students and parents but also send a chilling message that victims will not be believed or supported if they come forward with allegations of abuse.

This perpetuates an environment of fear, silence, and mistrust, further entrenching the barriers that prevent survivors from seeking justice and healing. Educational leaders must break this cycle of impunity and indifference by prioritizing the voices and experiences of survivors, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability and ensuring that every student feels empowered and supported to speak out against abuse. That’s how we can begin to rebuild trust, safeguard our children, and create safer learning environments for all.

It is time for the superintendent and school board to demonstrate courage and integrity by admitting the failures of the district, addressing them, and ensuring that survivors receive the support and justice they deserve. Anything less is a betrayal of trust and a grave disservice to the victims and their families, many of whom reside and have children in the district.

Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Nursing — My Educational Journey and Personal Philosophy of Nursing

My Educational Journey and Personal Philosophy of Nursing

• Categories: Nursing Nursing Theory

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Published: Feb 8, 2022

Words: 1394 | Pages: 3 | 7 min read

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Choice of nursing, essence of nursing, beliefs and values, vision for the future.

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Dan Wakefield, Multifaceted Writer on a Spiritual Journey, Dies at 91

He was prolific and acclaimed, producing novels, journalism, essays, criticism, screenplays and, in a memoir, an account of his path from faith to atheism and back again.

By David Stout

Dan Wakefield, a protean and prolific journalist, novelist, screenwriter, critic and essayist who explored subjects as diverse as life in New York City in the 1950s, the American civil rights movement, the wounds that war inflicts on individuals and society, and, not least, his personal journey from religious faith to atheism and back again, died on Wednesday in Miami. He was 91.

His death, at a hospice facility, was confirmed by Will Higgins, who from 2016 to 2017 hosted a public radio show with Mr. Wakefield, “Uncle Dan’s Story Hour,” on which Mr. Wakefield told stories about his life and career from the Red Key Tavern, an old bar in Indianapolis, his hometown. His health began to decline late last year after he had a stroke, prompting his move to Miami, Mr. Higgins said.

Mr. Wakefield achieved early and stunning success as a writer and was still writing well into his last years. He had more than 20 books to his credit; most of them were nonfiction, but he also wrote novels. Critics and other authors praised his work as showing a reporter’s instincts combined with graceful prose.

He began to build his reputation shortly after graduating from Columbia University in 1955 with honors in English, writing articles, essays and stories for Esquire, The Nation, Playboy, Commentary and other magazines. Not long after his graduation, The Nation sent him to Mississippi to cover the Emmet Till murder trial , one of the catalysts of the civil rights movement.

After the trial was over, with an all-white jury’s acquittal of the white men involved in one of the most heinous racial murders in American history, Mr. Wakefield wrote, “The crowds are gone and this Delta town is back to its silent, solid life that is based on cotton and the proposition that a whole race of men was created to pick it.”

He went on to find acclaim before he was 27, with the publication in 1959 of his first book, “Island in the City: The World of Spanish Harlem,” an account of the six months he spent living in a Puerto Rican neighborhood of Manhattan.

“To read Mr. Wakefield’s book is to walk into 100th Street in Spanish Harlem and suddenly share its life, its problems and its tragedies,” Harrison E. Salisbury of The New York Times, who had himself written about New York’s Puerto Ricans, declared in a review. Mr. Wakefield’s reporting on the neighborhood’s crime and other social problems, he added, “should bring civic conscience to a boil — if such a conscience does, in fact, exist.”

Mr. Wakefield’s next book, “Revolt in the South” (1962), explored resistance to the civil rights movement in the old Confederacy. While praising his “humility and compassion,” Claude Sitton , who covered the civil rights movement for The Times in the 1950s and ’60s, faulted the book in a Times review for “errors of fact and judgment” and for overlooking differences among the Southern states.

In 1968, The Atlantic devoted much of its March issue to an article by Mr. Wakefield, titled “ Supernation at Peace and War, ” about an America in conflict with itself over Vietnam.

In 1970, his first novel, “Going All the Way,” achieved a level of recognition that most writers find only in their dreams. Nominated for a National Book Award, it told the story of two young Korean War veterans returning to their homes in Indianapolis in the summer of 1954 and finding that the middle-class values they had grown up with were no longer enough.

The novel was praised by critics and some major writers. Gay Talese called it “wonderful, sad and funny.” One critic said Mr. Wakefield was a bit like Norman Mailer but without the “rhetorical boom and self-idolatry.” Another pronounced it simply “a great book.”

Kurt Vonnegut , who had attended the same Indianapolis high school as Mr. Wakefield about a decade before him, wrote in a foreword that “Going All the Way” was “a richer book than ‘Portnoy’s Complaint’” and with “wider concerns and more intricate characters” than that Philip Roth classic.

Mr. Vonnegut was similarly effusive about “Going All the Way” in Life magazine. In 2015, Mr. Wakefield told The Times that he regarded Mr. Vonnegut as the “godfather” of “Going All the Way,” for the praise he had heaped upon it. The two writers became good friends. In 2017, Mr. Wakefield coedited a volume of Mr. Vonnegut’s complete stories.

Mr. Wakefield’s other novels were “Starting Over” (1973), about a divorced man torn between a new love and his ex-wife; “Home Free” (1977), about a slacker on a cross-country trip in the countercultural America of the 1960s; “Under the Apple Tree” (1982), a coming-of-age tale set in small-town Illinois during World War II; and “Selling Out” (1985), about a college professor and serious short-story writer who goes to Hollywood to write a sophisticated television series — an experience not unlike Mr. Wakefield’s own.

His television credits included “James at 15,” an NBC drama about the life of a teenage boy, which he created. He quit the show early in 1978, just a few months after its premiere, after a dispute with the network over an episode in which the protagonist loses his virginity. (He accused NBC of playing down the script’s references to birth control.) The series was canceled shortly afterward.

He also wrote the screenplay for the 1997 movie adaptation of “Going All the Way,” which starred Ben Affleck, Rachel Weisz and other young actors. “Starting Over,” too, was the basis for a movie, released in 1979, with Burt Reynolds and Jill Clayburgh .

Mr. Wakefield began his writing career as a columnist for his high school newspaper in Indianapolis and a sports stringer for The Indianapolis Star. (At a convention for high school journalists, he roomed with another young sports columnist, Richard G. Lugar , who later was elected mayor of Indianapolis and to the United States Senate. Both youths were Eagle Scouts.)

Mr. Wakefield studied journalism at Harvard in 1963 and 1964 under a Nieman fellowship. His other awards included a Rockefeller Foundation grant in 1968. Over the years, he taught and lectured at several colleges and universities and numerous writers’ workshops.

Dan Wakefield — his birth name was Dan, not Daniel — was born in Indianapolis on May 21, 1932, to Ben and Brucie (Ridge) Wakefield. He was raised Presbyterian and became a Baptist. But as he morphed from an awkward, acne-afflicted adolescent into a young adult, a spiritual emptiness replaced his faith. He agonized as his parents divorced, he had troubled relationships with women, and he found little solace in talk therapy. By the time he was 24, he recalled in an essay in The Times, “I had bourboned myself into near oblivion.”

He used alcohol and drugs to fight off a “sense of blank, nameless pain in the pit of my very being,” he wrote in “Returning: A Spiritual Journey” (1988). The next year, in an essay in The Times, he wrote that his way back to belief was marked by logic — he recalled a physicist asking, “Why is there something rather than nothing?” — as well as contemplation.

On Christmas Eve 1980, he attended a service at King’s Chapel, a Unitarian Universalist church in Boston (the minister was a neighbor). He became active in the church, having found himself in the presence of a “larger force or purpose or higher power I identify as God,” he wrote in “Returning.”

Mr. Wakefield lived his final years in Indianapolis. He moved back there in 2011 after living in Miami for 17 years as a writer in residence at Florida International University. He had also lived in New York, Boston, Hollywood and Venice, Calif.

In his later years, he led workshops on spirituality at churches and synagogues across the United States and at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, N.Y.

His marriage to Alice Jokela Stewart ended in divorce. No immediate family members survive.

Mr. Wakefield had a paternal relationship with his goddaughter, Karina Corrales, whose mother took a writing class with him in Miami after his move there. He met Ms. Corrales when she was toddler and ultimately paid for her to attend college. He had spent time with her and her husband toward the end of his life.

Asked to define his philosophy of life, Mr. Wakefield quoted Philo, the ancient philosopher of Alexandria, Egypt: “Be kind, for everyone you know is fighting a great battle.” As for his life beyond writing, reading and reflecting, he said, “No golf, no horseshoes, no stamp-collecting, no hobbies.” And, he added, “No regrets.”

David Stout , a former editor and reporter with The Times, died in 2020. Alex Traub contributed reporting.