Fire Not Fill by Elisa

Fire Not Fill by Elisa - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

A plant can’t water itself. There must be a source for growth. Just like that, students can’t figure it all out in their educational journey. There must be an inspirational mentor who can teach them beyond content-based disciplines. “The mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting” (Plutarch). Since fear and hopelessness are common, courage is buried in the minds. But when that courage is awakened, it overcomes the common.

My University Honors Program Coordinator, Dr. Jon Hageman, is that inspirational mentor. Although I’ve only known him for a semester, I’ve seen quality of character and value in him. He thrives on student success. I remember Dr. Hageman would assign monthly check-ins to communicate with his students closely. Unlike other faculty members, Dr. Hageman is straightforward and direct with his message. He would ask me about my classes, clubs, activities, hardship, feelings, concerns, help, etc. He has maintained a great rapport with his students throughout the program. He is enthusiastic and passionate about helping and advocating for his students. Dr. Hageman has encouraged me and my peers to maximize our full potential in college. He is different from grade-based teaching. He engages in developing and sprouting student abilities and critical thinking. He has encouraged his honor students to participate in the state-level honors symposium. As a professor himself, with greater responsibilities, Dr. Hageman shows immense love and care for his honor students. Our class sessions offer valuable college resources while fostering the skills and qualities necessary for success. This came true when I reached out to him for help.

As a first-generation college student, I faced one of many common conflicts that would severely impact my education. My college advisor miscommunicated with me. As a result, I couldn’t register for a mandatory honors course since I did not meet the prerequisite standards. I became aware of this matter two days before the registration date. I got anxious and guilty. I went back to my past emails to find my fault, but I didn’t see it. I decided to analyze a degree flowchart for my major. Explicitly, I realized the problem. In the fall semester, my advisor only suggested I take four classes that excluded the prerequisite class. After realizing the problem, I requested a prerequisite override. She rejected my request twice abiding by the registration policies. Although I sent a couple more, there were no replies.

I started to worry about my educational experience. I was in danger of getting kicked out of the Honors LLC program, which reduced my dorm expenses in half. I could only take two electives for the upcoming semester. I would’ve lost money by taking additional classes to sustain my college status. I could’ve delayed my graduation for over two semesters. I would’ve been forced to work long hours, sacrificing my education. Soon, I fell into despair, discouraged by ignorance.

I addressed this issue to Dr. Hageman, whom I expected the same answer of abiding by the rules. Although he had other responsibilities, he prioritized my concerns. First, he advised me to email the professor to see if they could accept me. Second, he told me to contact the dean if the answer was yes. Finally, he said to keep emailing whomever they referred to me until they gave a satisfactory decision. Above all, he advised me to use proper language and be diligent. His assurance boosted my energy to start the gear. However, I asked him to engage himself in this issue. He smiled and told me that coaches never play. It kind of threw me off at first. I thought he could’ve done better. But little did I know about igniting.

Anyway, with his words in mind, I began to send emails. I spent an entire week of multiple rejections and frustration. I got emotional and wrote about the imbalance of my educational experience at the institution. I continued to convince the management team about my abilities and rights.

After an entire week of nonstop typing, the administration finally approved my request. Ultimately, I was filled with relief and pride. Indeed, I got the opportunity to see Dr. Hageman’s contempt for my success. In similar cases, students would fear authority and let things go. The faculty would also suggest the same. Yet, Dr. Hageman showed me the opposite and ignited my ability to change without taking any disciplinary action. I understood that it's easy to shut down but hard to reboot. In the end, I registered for two additional classes and adapted them as honors credit.

To summarize, Dr. Hageman’s contribution to my confidence, knowledge, and character is profound. Although at first, I wasn’t impressed with his “coach” theory, I finally understood the theory. He wanted to make me work hard for my goal. Through that entire week of emails, I learned to write formally, express concerns respectfully, maintain mannerisms, and sustain perseverance.

He has made a significant mark on my life, making him the most inspirational individual that I look up to. To this day, I believe that the administration approved my request not because I kept filling their inboxes but due to my commitment and approach to my goals. Therefore, I have become a courageous lady who won’t stop climbing the trees.