Love of Learning

Here's a college application essay I wrote when applying to Westminister.  It had to be 250 words or less, and somehow I have exactly 250 words here.  I remember being concerned because I was writing about an experience in kindergarten when the essay question sounded like it was looking for some big, life changing event.  They must have thought it okay because I was accepted.

During my first day in a new kindergarten class, I was handed a book and told to read it to my teacher. I was speechless, for I had never read anything before in my life and here I was in an intimidating new and accelerated school with a teacher staring expectantly at me. I knew at that moment that I had to do something, so I opened the book, looked at the first page, and started making up a story that went along with the picture. I vividly remember looking timidly up at my teacher after that first page and seeing her knowing smile. She asked me if I had ever read anything before and I shook my head. This was the moment that changed my attitude towards learning and brought me to where I am today.

Because I entered the school expected to know how to read and the other students already had this skill, I had to push myself to learn it in an efficient and effective way. I was successful. Within a week, I could read that book and I was proud. I have loved to read since the moment that I forced myself to learn. I have maintained this way of learning, by pushing myself to extremes, and surprising myself with my speed and success. Because of the lesson I learned in kindergarten, I have developed persistent motivation and a love of learning. With this knowledge, I hope to pursue the highest level of education available.