Shaped By Experience by Tyler

Shaped By Experience by Tyler - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

Since every experience offers insight that shapes a person into more of who he or she is to become, surrounding oneself with diversity and enriching activities leads to growth and development. So far, my life has included a number of opportunities to learn and grow, making me a viable candidate for your scholarship.
Ever since I was four, I have participated in group activities, clubs, organizations, and team sports. Collaborating effectively and productively, sharing and listening to ideas, and accepting and valuing criticism have provided me with key attributes, such as patience and respect. Discussions in which opinions are shared and considered afforded me an appreciation for diversity and perspective.
Being a lifeguard is the accomplishment that I am most proud of in my life. After just one summer of lifeguarding, I had rescued close to thirty people. Very few things can truly prepare you for saving a person’s life, and this privilege is a source of great pride for me.
Some of the best experience I have acquired, however, can be attributed to my involvement in community service projects. Assisting others in need is both a humbling and rewarding mission. People simply can’t exist without impacting others’ lives, and I want to make a positive difference, one in which I know left others better off having encountered me. When I delivered bookmarks to a nursing home and saw the people’s faces light up and when I delivered food boxes before Christmas and witnessed tears of appreciation, I knew I was providing inspiration and hope. I want to have that same impact in all aspects of life, assisting where and when I am able.
Education is a privilege that is not valued enough in our society. It affords one the knowledge and know-how to impact one’s own life as well as the lives of others. I believe that people have a responsibility to use their talents and skills to make a difference in this world, and I fully plan to use my education and architectural degree to benefit society.
As an architect, I hope to serve people and communities, assisting with projects that require my skills. Finding housing solutions for those in need or who require temporary help in life is just one of the many ways I can aid people and use my education to make positive improvements in society. No one should have to subject their family to conditions that are unsafe or unhealthy, and with architectural skills, I hope to assist with remedying some of the problems. In addition, recently I have seen many great ideas and plans that involve assisting veterans and homeless individuals by finding cost effective building solutions. This might be another area where I can provide service. Designing structures that are more accessible for veterans who have mobility impairments would help to enhance their quality of life, providing daily comfort and enjoyment.
No matter how much or how little an individual possesses, everyone has skills and the ability to make the world a better place. With this in mind, I am excited to see how my education and degree will benefit society. I will definitely continue to work hard in order to continue my education at UTSA. Taking rigorous but rewarding classes, I want to acquire my dream of becoming an architect. With determination and devotion to my studies, my degree should allow me to use my passion in an effort to create and improve structures to benefit communities.
Although nothing completely prepares an individual for the next step in life, my experiences will definitely prove beneficial as I seek a position in the corporate world. As I strive to accomplish my future goal of becoming an architect, I will remain grateful for all opportunities and use my resources to become a valued employee and productive member of society.