While inside the classroom, I learned how much I love learning about science. Learning about how the world around us works increases my passion for wanting to preserve it for future generations to enjoy. In addition, it has made me feel more confident about wanting to become a veterinarian in the future.
While outside the classroom, I have learned that there are many different views on different topics. Being in college was really the first time that I had met a person that had completely different viewpoints than my own. While this was very difficult at first, I learned to appreciate the many types of people that are all around me and to listen and try and understand their opinions. While I may not agree, that doesn’t mean that I should be disrespectful towards them. By listening, I may learn new things about a subject, and it may change my own opinion. I have learned just how important it is to be open to other people because every person has different experiences.
Throughout this year, I learned that I am much better at going out and taking advantage of different opportunities than I thought. In high school, I wasn’t really looking to be a leader. I just wanted to get good grades, play volleyball, and swim. I was afraid to go and do something more like lead a club. However, this semester when I joined the leadership council, I realized that I loved being able to help make decisions and lead events. It taught me that if I take risks and try something new, I might find something that I really love.
I have two favorite memories of this past year. The first was going on the camping trip. I have lived in Ohio my whole life and never knew that it had caves and rock structures like Ash Cave. I got to meet a lot of new people and form new friendships while getting to spend time outside. My second memory was my first time at a horse show. I loved being able to be around so many people who love and care for horses everyday and want to learn all they can about them. In addition, getting to show for the first time was something I will never forget. It was so exciting!
I am looking forward to getting to show next year and getting to learn more about horsemanship. I have already learned so much about horses this year and becoming a better horseback rider. I want to continue learning so that I can have a horse of my own someday. I also want to become a sitter for 4-Paws next year and help train future service dogs. I have always wondered if there was a way to get involved with this, and for the first time I see that it is possible for someone like me to get involved with training dogs to become service dogs. I am also looking forward to being part of the leadership council in the scholar’s program for another semester and becoming a better leader for such an amazing program.