Building a Better Future for Education by Camden

Building a Better Future for Education by Camden - September 2025 Scholarship Essay

In the next 10 years, I hope to see the education system change in meaningful ways that give students a better chance at success. One of the most important changes I hope for is a shift away from memorization and toward real understanding. Before my senior year, my engineering teacher said something that has always stayed with me. He explained that our current teaching system was not designed for students to truly understand the material. Instead, it was built around memorization: learn it just enough for the test, then forget it and move on. That cycle doesn’t create lasting knowledge, and it doesn’t prepare students for the real world.

In the future, I hope education measures authentic learning. Instead of being rewarded for short-term memorization, students should be challenged to apply what they learn through projects, problem-solving, and real-life situations. This change would not only make learning more meaningful, but it would also give students confidence in their skills and knowledge long after graduation.

Another change I would like to see is affordability. Too many students today worry more about paying for school than about the education itself. Rising tuition and textbook costs force many young people into debt before their careers even begin. In ten years, I hope colleges and schools find ways to reduce costs, expand scholarships, and provide more open-access resources so every student has a fair chance to succeed. Education should be about opportunity, not financial barriers.

Finally, I hope classrooms embrace technology in ways that improve learning without taking away the fun side of education. Tools like interactive software, simulations, and virtual labs can help students learn by experiencing concepts instead of just reading about them. At the same time, technology should never fully replace teachers. A good teacher provides guidance, encouragement, and personal support that no computer can match. By balancing technology with personal teaching, schools can give students the best of both worlds.

If these changes happen in the next decade, education will look very different. Students will graduate with a deeper understanding, less financial stress, and stronger skills for the future. Education should not just be about passing a test or paying for a diploma. It should be about preparing students for life, work, and the challenges ahead. That is the education system I hope to see.