Moving Past Memorization: My Growth as a Thinker by Sade

Moving Past Memorization: My Growth as a Thinker by Sade - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

Growing up, I always liked having a clear answer. Math was my favorite subject because I could rely on formulas and know I was right if I followed the steps. I thought all my classes would be like that, where everything was black and white.
That changed when I took AP Government and AP U.S History. Right away, I realized these classes were different. Instead of memorizing facts or plugging numbers into formulas, I had to deeply analyze court cases and explain both sides of arguments. There were no easy answers, and sometimes my teachers would say, "It depends..." which really frustrated me at first. I didn't like not knowing if my answer was right or wrong. I had to get used to the idea that sometimes there isn't just one correct answer. It was uncomfortable, but over time, I got better at it. I realized that being exceptional at these kinds of classes moved beyond memorization; it was about building a strong argument and explaining my reasoning.
Now I see that those experiences made me a much better critical thinker. I'm able to look at problems from different angles and ask better questions. These skills are a big reason I want to study law, where you have to analyze situations and consider multiple viewpoints before making a decision. As I start college, I know I'll face more challenging questions without simple answers, but I feel prepared because I've learned how to think through them instead of searching for certainty.