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Why I chose to go to College

Kolb's Model Essay:

There are many big decisions in life. One such decision is to choose to go to college. I was presented with this choice a full year early. I decided that I was going to graduate early from high school and go to college. Both of these decisions were a monumental step in my life and required much thought and support from people around me, although only limited people knew about my plan. I made this decision based on my experiences growing up as a child and the people I associated with and those that I was forced to see on a daily basis. During my elementary education, I was more dedicated to trying to ease tensions with peers over my actual academic learning; this changed throughout my elementary school, where I remained a high nineties student throughout highschool. As for my friends, I grew up with a limited friend group, which seemed to grow smaller and smaller throughout the years. However, the closest friends who I will never forget and always keep in touch with were my brother and his closest friends, Namely, Jake Chapman, and Zack Dormer. These two and my brother were my guides throughout life, as they matured, I was forced to mature faster than the rest of my peers closer to my age. We were all very close and would do everything together even after I was forced to switch schools. Switching schools was due to the abusive nature of my peers in their school. As the years went by, it came to the year of graduation for my brother and my friends; this happened to be my ninth-grade year. By this time, I realized I would be without my closest friends with years to go in my high school education. College was nowhere to be seen in my near future. Before I knew it, I approached my parents and school counselors about the possibility of me graduating early. This, however, out of the blue it may have seen was on my mind for years, but merely in the form of a joke. The joke is about me trying to skip grades to be three years ahead to join my brother's and friends' class before my transfer of schools. By the time I was in my sophomore year ( or my junior year depending on how you view it), I had not even begun to think of what I wanted to do in college, let alone what college I wanted to go to. My parents strongly suggested the Meri-core program or a gap year before I committed to a college. I decided that college was a necessity. I also felt that I needed to keep up with such a productive academic career. I made my case to attend college to be “ahead in life” by at least a year to my parents, who were relieved that I wanted to go to college. I decided ultimately, that college was the best choice for me and my path in life. Although I had very little time to think of where and why to go to college, I felt that college was best for me, and I needed to do what I thought would be the best overall decision for myself. I found Keuka college that offered a 3+1 program which complimented my “efficient academic career,” and my “where to go to college” problem. I loved Keuka's programs, and the campus was beautiful. On the other hand, I also made the decision out of spite and revenge. I believed that graduating early and going to college and graduating with a master’s by the time I'm twenty would be a terrific way to show my peers at my old school would be an excellent way to show them that they made a mistake and prove my strength. 

 

I must wonder what would have happened and where I would be at this point had I not decided to go to college and take a gap year instead. I wonder if I would still be working at my old job at Mill Creek Cafe in my town. When my parents suggested that I take a gap year, it caused me to question if I had made a mistake. This was an important time since I believed that taking a gap year would have thrown all my hard work of graduating early away. The thought of losing all this progress is actually what pushed me towards coming to Keuka College as well. Seeing that I could extend my “ efficient education” with the 3+1 program, I knew that this was the right move. I must inquire as to what would have happened if even such a small change, such as my parents not suggesting the gap year had occurred. Had something even bigger changed, such as my parents forced me to take a gap year or forced me to go to FLCC for my first year, I wonder how my mindset would have changed? I wonder how this would affect me in the future. I can not say what is to come in my future, but I believe that I am making the best decision to set myself up for a successful future through the choices I have made. Keuka College, I think, is the best decision, and to follow through with my 3+1 program will continue to help me grow not just in terms of education but in morals and character.

 

Throughout the decisions discussed in this essay, I have learned many lessons, how to work hard, staying true to yourself, self-restraint, how to remain humble, and a lot of self-respect. Looking back at the hard work and knowing that it has already paid off, keeps me pushing forward. I have also learned how to look out for others while also acting in my own best interest. Throughout all of these decisions, I have gained valuable traits, and looking back helps renew a sense of self-determination and strength. After my sophomore/junior year, I decided I wanted a more comfortable year to recuperate from the tough year prior to that. Making the decision to come to college in a 3+1 program seems like tossing myself back into the thick of things. I have noticed throughout writing this essay that I must complete a task if I have said I was going to, no matter how difficult it may be for me. Noticing this makes me feel a sense of fulfillment and also anxious. Knowing that when I put myself against a task I need to carry it out, makes me nervous of the difficulty of tasks may increase, and I may see myself attempting more and more challenging tasks that I may forget to relax and enjoy what successes I have already accomplished rather than keep trying to best my self.  

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From what I have learned throughout these decisions and experiences as well as writing this essay, I have learned that I can accomplish many tasks that I put myself up against. However, I also must take some time to enjoy the spoils of my hard work. I believe that acknowledging this will help me in the future by keeping me ground as to not lose the desire to keep pushing myself. I fully expect that I will continue working hard throughout college and into whatever career I find myself in the future. I will use these lessons that I have learned to help keep me motivated and producing above satisfactory work. These lessons will not only help in the job aspect, either. I believe that these lessons are life lessons and can be applied everywhere, from hobbies to social interactions. Learning these lessons and reflecting on them helps me understand that just because I have recognized them does not mean that I genuinely show these lessons in my character. I have realized through writing this essay that merely acknowledging them is not enough and that I need to mirror them in my personality. In conclusion, throughout the decision mentioned in this essay, I have learned many life lessons and how I must apply them in my future. 

This an essay based around why I chose to attend college. This essay follows Kolb's model. The main point that were hit in this essay where:

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  1. Concrete Experience: Answers the
    “What I did” question.
    ï‚· Describe the experience
    ï‚· Briefly describe the
    circumstances and activity that
    you engaged in so that a person
    not in attendance can understand
    what the experience was

  2. Reflective Observations:
    “What I wonder”
    ï‚· Describe a specific component of
    the experience that had
    particular relevance to you, or
    that was instructive or valuable to
    you
    ï‚· Identify WHY this element (s) was
    important and worth reflecting
    upon

  3. Abstract Conceptualization:
    What insight have I gained through
    this experience?
    Answers the “so what” question.
    ï‚· Make connections
    ï‚· Reflect on the significance of the
    experience and relate it to what
    you already knew/understood
    ï‚· Discuss the meaning of what you
    experienced and how it has
    changed you

  4. Active Experimentation
    How can I apply what I learned?
    Answers the “Now what” question
    ï‚· Identify the implications of what
    you have learned for future
    experiences
    ï‚· Discuss how you anticipate
    applying the knowledge that you
    have gained to new experiences
    or situations in your life

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In summation this essay covers the background of my education dating back to elementary school. My elementary school education leads into why I moved schools and ultimately made the decision to graduate early from high school. After that, it leads into the decision of actually attending college and the factors that weighed in on the decision. 

I graduated from Honeoye Central School District a year early in 2019 

I am enrolled in Keuka's 3+1 business masters program. 

I played many sports offered in my High school, however, my two favorite are soccer and tennis. 

My first field period experience was at Bristol Mountain.

I plan to graduate from keuka in four years with my Masters in business management. 

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