What Changes I Hope to See in Education Over the Next 10 Years by Juliana

What Changes I Hope to See in Education Over the Next 10 Years by Juliana - September 2025 Scholarship Essay

Education has always been more than textbooks and classrooms; it is the foundation for opportunity, growth, and empowerment. As a student, I have experienced both the strengths and the shortcomings of the current system. While education has given me countless opportunities to learn and grow, I believe it must continue to evolve in order to truly meet the needs of future generations. Over the next ten years, I hope to see changes that make education more inclusive, accessible, and adaptable to the world students are living in.
First, I hope education becomes more inclusive of students’ different learning needs and backgrounds. Too often, schools use a “one size fits all” model that leaves behind students who learn differently or who face unique challenges. For example, as someone born with a congenital heart defect, I have faced times when my health required flexibility that the traditional system did not always provide. I believe schools should adopt more individualized approaches; offering multiple pathways to success through project-based learning, alternative assessments, and expanded use of technology to support diverse learners. By making inclusivity a priority, schools can empower every student to thrive.
Second, I hope to see mental health become a central part of education. Today’s students are navigating not only academic stress but also social pressures, economic challenges, and global uncertainties. The next decade should bring more resources for counseling, wellness programs, and open conversations about mental health. Just as schools promote physical education, they should also teach emotional resilience, coping strategies, and the importance of balance. This change could help reduce stigma and give students the tools they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Third, I believe education must better prepare students for the realities of the modern world. While traditional subjects remain important, the world is rapidly changing, and so should what we learn. I hope to see a greater emphasis on financial literacy, media literacy, digital skills, and career exploration. Students should graduate not only knowing algebra and history, but also how to manage money, evaluate information critically, and adapt to new technologies. These skills are essential to navigating adulthood and contributing meaningfully to society.
Alongside this, I hope schools will encourage entrepreneurship at a much earlier age. Many students already have creative ideas for businesses, non-profits, or social impact projects, but they often lack the resources or guidance to pursue them. If schools provided internship programs, mentorship opportunities, or even spaces where students could test their ideas, they would not only nurture innovation but also teach leadership, problem-solving, and resilience. Supporting student entrepreneurs would show young people that they do not have to wait until adulthood to create meaningful change; they can start building it now.
Finally, I envision education that connects more deeply to community and purpose. Schools should encourage students to apply what they learn to real-world issues; whether through service learning, internships, or partnerships with local organizations. For me, this has meant using my own experiences with my heart condition to raise awareness and fundraise for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Opportunities like these not only build leadership but also show students the impact they can have beyond themselves.
In ten years, I hope education is more inclusive, compassionate, and relevant to the world students are inheriting. The classroom should not just be a place where information is memorized; it should be where young people learn how to grow, adapt, and make a difference. By making these changes, we can create a system that doesn’t just prepare students for tests, but prepares them for life.