Back then they had notebooks; now we have notetakers by Kiara

Back then they had notebooks; now we have notetakers by Kiara - November 2025 Scholarship Essay

Classrooms used to be filled with loud sounds. This included flipping pages and scribbling with pens. Students had to cling to every word their teacher said, hoping to catch them all and fill their notebooks with the correct information. If they missed a sentence, they had to hope it wasn’t on the test. Back then, learning meant writing fast and hoping for clarity later.

Now the classroom is filled with the sounds of button clicks. Now, my computer listens while I learn.

As a healthcare Policy major, I rely on technology. It helps me absorb my complex material. My laptop records lectures, transcribes key points, and organizes them into searchable notes. It is like having a personal assistant who never misses a word. While it listens, I can focus on understanding, asking questions, and connecting ideas.

The change from notebooks to notetakers completely changed the game for students. I am no longer distracted by trying to write everything down. Instead, I can engage more deeply with the material. I can revisit lectures, highlight important terms, and even collaborate with classmates by sharing digital notes instantly.

While handwritten notes may have had charm, today’s tools offer so much more. They offer clarity, speed, and accessibility. They help me learn smarter, not harder. As the title suggests, back then we had notebooks; now we have notetakers. And with them, we don't just capture knowledge. We elevate it.