What Changes Do I Hope to See in Education Over the Next 10 Years? by Saniah

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

When I think about education ten years from now, I picture classrooms that look and feel very different from the ones I sit in today. As a high school student, I know what it’s like to feel both inspired and frustrated by the education system. Sometimes, lessons light a spark in me and push me to think in new ways, but other times, it feels like school is more about memorizing information than actually learning how to use it. The changes I hope to see in education over the next decade all connect to one idea: I want schools to prepare students not just for tests, but for life.

The first change I hope to see is more emphasis on creativity and critical thinking. Too often, education is treated like a checklist—finish this assignment, study for this test, and move on. But the world doesn’t reward people who can only follow instructions; it rewards people who can ask questions, solve problems, and create new ideas. Ten years from now, I want schools to focus less on multiple-choice answers and more on encouraging students to think for themselves. Projects, discussions, and even mistakes should be valued as much as getting the “right” answer.

Another change I hope for is better mental health support in schools. So many students struggle silently with stress, anxiety, or pressure to succeed. Education should not just push students academically—it should also teach us how to balance our responsibilities, take care of our well-being, and ask for help when we need it. I imagine a future where every school has resources like mental health counselors, meditation or wellness spaces, and teachers trained to recognize when a student needs support. If education really aims to help young people grow, it has to include emotional growth as well.

I also hope to see technology used in smarter ways. Right now, technology in school sometimes feels like a distraction or a replacement for learning, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Imagine if every student had access to personalized learning tools that adapted to their strengths and weaknesses. A student struggling with math could get real-time help through interactive software, while another who excels in science could explore advanced concepts at their own pace. Technology could help close gaps between students, making education more equal and personalized for everyone, no matter where they come from.

One of the most important changes I dream about is making education more relevant to real life. Students often ask, “When will I ever use this?” because so much of what we learn feels disconnected from the world outside the classroom. Ten years from now, I hope schools offer more hands-on experiences like internships, community projects, and classes that teach practical skills—things like managing money, writing effectively, or even cooking. Education should prepare students not just to pass exams but to succeed in their futures as adults, workers, and citizens.

Finally, I hope education becomes more inclusive. Every student should feel like their background, culture, and experiences matter in the classroom. That means more diverse teachers, more diverse books, and lessons that reflect the wide range of perspectives that make up our world. When students see themselves represented in their education, they feel more connected and more capable of contributing to society.

In ten years, I will be in my late twenties, and I hope to look back and see a school system that is more creative, supportive, and connected to the real world. Education has the power to change lives—it has certainly changed mine. But for it to keep changing lives in the best way possible, it has to evolve. I want future students to feel excited to learn, supported as people, and prepared for whatever paths they choose. That’s the kind of education system I hope to see in the next decade: one that doesn’t just teach students facts, but helps them build futures.