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What Does Going To College Mean To Me Essay

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I tried to convince myself that I want to go to college because it will make me a better person; that somehow, as a result of being college educated I will be able to have a larger or better impact on the world. It might be true. Maybe I will have a chance, that I wouldn’t have without a college degree at a job that would allow me to make significant change. Maybe, during college, I’ll become a better person by gaining a more complete understanding of the world. I don’t necessarily expect either of these things. I decided educating myself and learning how to think may be selfish, but also productive. I know educating myself is a moral thing to do the same way I know hiking through a forest is a moral thing to do. By walking through the woods …show more content…

I was raised with the ideal of land stewardship by my parents, who for 30 years have organically and sustainably produced a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as cows, sheep, and chickens. They saw that the way most people stay alive in America is unsustainable and they found a way to live largely outside the exploitive economy while remaining a part of the community. As a result growing up in the west as part of a family that cares about the wild, I have observed the effects of climate change my whole life. I believe that humans are part of nature and that we are hurting ourselves by continuing to pollute and exploit the natural world. I’m curious about the effects of our actions’ on on other parts of the world and the future. I wonder if my parents are right to believe that environmental problems and societal problems are caused by the same exploitative and unsustainable behavior and that they are too often separated when people discuss them. The LAS program would allow me to examine issues like these and their possible interconnections both through different points of view and different …show more content…

I want to have the option to buy from local shops , and enjoy the city on a bike. Freiburg Germany seems ideal. It is known for its sustainability and history, and, like my home in Montana, it is near the wilderness. The University seems to reflect its aged picturesque city. I like that at UCF I would be a part of a small group within a larger University. I see it, somewhat romantically, as a place where people go to talk about the world, science and thought because that is what makes them happy. In a place like this, the diversity of perspectives will present me with endless opportunities to both challenge and improve my own ways of thinking. Studying German and other languages is another such opportunity. One that would allow me to both see the word in new ways and gain a deeper understanding of cultures in Europe and worldwide. It would also improve my ability explore centuries of German thought, and feel more connected to my community in

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