Two Groups of Peers by Kristin

Two Groups of Peers by Kristin - May 2015 Scholarship Essay

When speaking honestly, I have learned a lot of academic skills and lessons from my peers; however, I have learned more from my elders than my peers. I have found it to be more beneficial to learn lessons from elders, and skills from my peers. Yet, I have gained both skills and lessons from my own peers.

In regards to my own learned lessons from peers, I would have to admit that I wouldn't have learned as much if I hadn't chosen to accompany the people that I had. During my early adolescent years, I had engaged in a lot of rebellious behaviors, as did my peers and closest friends. With these activities I had gained a lot of skill in neglecting my responsibilities, especially in my educational studies. While I came closer to the age of 14, I had noticed that many of the individuals that I had associated with were facing many consequences that I would also potentially face if I did not decide to fulfill my expectations. As I reached to the age of 15, I continuously watched as doors closed; each door slamming shut as I intentionally made idiotic decisions. I finally came to the realization: I want a bright and positive future.

I had decided to turn my life around, and change my ways of thinking. I partook in post-secondary enrollment options, and I focused more on my education. I raised my GPA a whole 1.2 points in the span of two years, and I obtained a 3.0 GPA through PSEO at North Hennepin Community College. Both of my studies, high school and PSEO, will end in a week, where I will then move on to gain my associate's in social work at Metropolitan State University.

In conclusion to all these successes, I would express that my greatest gained lesson obtained through my own peers would be my ability to be shown what their own experiences were. When they made a mistake, they faced the consequences, whether it had been legally or academically. Legal consequences generally have an effect on academics, it may hurt your current and future studies. I watched as they faced these issues, and I also faced similar consequences, watching as doors close for both my peers and myself. They provided me with the knowledge that if I did not change my life now, then I would never amount to anything that I would want to be.

When I was taught this lesson, I also gained skills from individuals who were my peers, but not my acquaintances. Those who were around me, who were successful in school, showed me what it would take to gain the potential for a brighter future and higher educational success. I studied what they did, I observed what they endured, and I used these things in my own academic practices.

Overall, I had learned that education is the most important thing and I gained motivation, effective study habits, maturity, and the ability to succeed as much as I have; all from my peers. Without their mistakes and my own, along with the success-driven peers that had been around me, I wouldn't have come to succeed in gaining 43 college-credits and a sufficient college and high school GPA. I also would never had obtained the ability to be driven in acquiring a master's in social work, nor would I have the ability to engage in the social work field, if it hadn't been for the two groups of peers: the ones who took education seriously, and the ones who had not. I am truly grateful for both peers, and I hope those who had made my same mistakes, choose the same path that I have, and gain the knowledge that I have gained.