New chapter of University by Thomas A

New chapter of University by Thomas A - August 2026 Scholarship Essay

I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. I want to take the opportunity to attend Boise State University to get a better education, find better job opportunities, and help my community. Idaho has grown significantly over the years, and I have noticed more people from different backgrounds and cultures becoming part of the community. Seeing this growth has made me think about how I can also contribute to making Idaho a better place.

Idaho also has a great opportunity for growth through companies like Micron and the expansion of modern technology. This is one of the reasons I decided to study Electrical and Computer Engineering. I believe this field will give me the skills I need to work with new technology and eventually use those skills to help my community.

One important lesson I have learned is that feedback can help me improve, even when it is difficult to hear at first. In school, there have been times when I thought I had completed an assignment correctly, but a teacher pointed out areas where I could improve. At first, I sometimes focused more on the mistakes than on what I could learn from them. Over time, I realized that feedback is not meant to discourage me. It is meant to show me what I can do better.

This changed the way I approach learning. Instead of becoming frustrated when someone points out a mistake, I try to understand why I made the mistake and what I can do differently next time. I have learned that asking questions and accepting advice can help me understand a subject more deeply. This is especially important for Electrical and Computer Engineering because I know I will make mistakes while learning difficult concepts, designing circuits, and solving problems.

Feedback has also taught me that personal growth takes patience. I do not have to know everything immediately. What matters is that I am willing to learn, improve, and keep going when something is challenging. As I continue my education at Boise State University, I want to carry this mindset with me. My goal is not only to earn a degree, but also to become someone who can use what I learn to create opportunities, support others, and contribute to the future of Idaho. I believe that being open to feedback will help me become a better student, engineer, and member of my community. I will continue using feedback as a tool for improvement.
-Thomas Alejandro Calderon Jeldres