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

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

Education has always been a priority in my life, shaping not only my academic goals but also my future aspirations. As a senior at Pine Lake Preparatory and a dual-enrollment student at Mitchell Community College, I have challenged myself with rigorous coursework while maintaining a 4.4 GPA. These opportunities have allowed me to earn college credits early and reduce some of the financial burden of higher education. However, I am fully aware that the cost of attending college remains one of the greatest barriers for students like me. Over the next 10 years, the change I most hope to see in education is a more affordable and accessible path to higher learning.
For many families, the price of college is overwhelming. My mother, for example, was the first in her family to attend college, and she carried student loan debt for 25 years before finally paying it off. Now, as I prepare to apply to colleges, I see her anxiety returning, not because she does not value education, but because she knows the long-term financial toll it can take. Her experience has shaped how I view the issue and has motivated me to advocate for changes in the way higher education is funded in our country.
In the next decade, I hope to see stronger government support to reduce the cost of higher education for students and families. This could come in the form of expanded scholarship opportunities, increased funding for public universities, or loan programs that do not burden graduates for decades after earning their degrees. I believe that education should be a pathway to opportunity, not a source of financial hardship. When students graduate with overwhelming debt, it limits their ability to buy homes, start families, or invest in their communities. By addressing these challenges, our nation could unlock the potential of an entire generation of young people.
Another change I hope to see is greater access to dual-enrollment and community college programs. My own experience at Mitchell Community College has shown me how valuable these opportunities are. Not only do they prepare students for the rigor of higher education, but they also significantly lower the overall cost of earning a degree. Expanding programs like these nationwide could help students from all backgrounds get a head start on their education without the crushing expense.
Lastly, I would like to see education place a stronger emphasis on financial literacy. Working in my family’s small business has taught me how important it is to understand money, how to save, budget, and invest wisely. If more students were given the tools to manage their finances early, they would be better prepared to handle the costs of higher education and life after graduation. Combining financial education with structural changes to make college more affordable could create a generation of students who are not only academically successful but also financially stable.
In conclusion, the change I most want to see in education over the next 10 years is a shift toward affordability, access, and practical financial preparation. By reducing the cost of higher education, expanding dual-enrollment opportunities, and teaching financial literacy, we can make sure that students like me have the chance to pursue their dreams without being weighed down by debt. Education should open doors, not close them, and I believe that with the right changes, we can build a future where all students have the opportunity to succeed.