The A.I. Paradox by Leah

The A.I. Paradox by Leah - November 2025 Scholarship Essay

Art. Music. Literature. Creativity as a whole. These examples only scratch the surface of how detrimental A.I. can be for our society and future generations. Additionally, it increases energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and fresh water usage. This alone seems enough for the government to prohibit the use and creation of A.I.

That is, if these were the only effects of artificial intelligence. While these environmental and ethical concerns are valid, A.I. has also brought countless positive impacts that have changed both society and education. Throughout high school, I have experienced the growth of artificial intelligence firsthand. It has improved my ability to understand difficult concepts, kept me connected to my classes, and helped me stay informed about schoolwork even when I couldn’t physically be in the classroom.

Artificial intelligence is often viewed as a tool for students to cheat or avoid doing the work themselves, but that criticism overlooks the truth: A.I. is neutral. Like any resource, it depends on how it’s used. A car can be driven responsibly or recklessly, but it’s the driver, not the vehicle, that determines the outcome. Similarly, A.I. can be used unethically, or it can be used as a means of growth, guidance, and education.

During my junior year, I spent a month in a mental health facility. Being away from school meant missing lectures, projects, and lessons that were critical to my coursework. When I returned home each evening, I wanted to stay caught up, not just to maintain my grades, but because learning gave me a sense of purpose and normalcy. That’s when I began using artificial intelligence as a way to keep myself informed and engaged with what my classmates were studying.

In calculus, A.I.-based learning tools helped me revisit topics my class had covered while I was gone. These programs explained concepts like limits, derivatives, and integrals step-by-step, breaking down complex problems into understandable parts. I could review lessons, watch demonstrations, and check my answers instantly. It wasn’t about getting perfect scores; it was about regaining my footing and rebuilding my confidence in a subject that had always challenged me.

Outside of math, I also used A.I. programs to summarize lectures, organize research for English essays, and clarify confusing material from science projects. I could input lecture notes or prompts and receive simplified explanations that helped me better grasp the material. It was like having an on-demand tutor who could adapt to whatever subject I needed help with. A.I. gave me the structure and consistency I needed to keep moving forward academically, even when life felt unpredictable.

When I returned to school, I found myself more confident and prepared than I expected. I understood the material my classmates had been learning, and I was able to participate in discussions and group projects without feeling lost. A.I. had given me the bridge I needed to reconnect with my education and keep pace with my peers. It didn’t replace my teachers or classmates, it supported them by filling the gaps in my learning when I couldn’t be there.

Through this experience, I learned that artificial intelligence is most powerful when used responsibly. It doesn’t replace effort or understanding, it enhances them. It allows students to review lessons at their own pace, explore new ideas, and take ownership of their education. For me, A.I. wasn’t a shortcut; it was a support system that kept me connected to learning when I needed it most.

The A.I. paradox is that while it can be seen as a threat to creativity or academic integrity, it can also be one of the greatest tools for accessibility, equity, and understanding in modern education. Used with honesty and curiosity, it empowers students to think critically, ask better questions, and learn more deeply.

As I prepare for college, I see A.I. not as something to fear, but as something to use wisely. It represents both the challenges and possibilities of the future. For me, it was a reminder that no matter where I am or what obstacles I face, knowledge is never out of reach, as long as I have the curiosity and responsibility to seek it.