Binders of Everything by Wilson

Binders of Everything by Wilson - March 2026 Scholarship Essay

I decorated binders with sketches and explanations of everything I could cram in from the revelations I had gained from watching informational videos. The shelves filled up a tiny library, and everything I scribbled down in a how-to tone was my personal heirloom. Even though I kept them for nostalgic perusing, I wanted to put these materials to use by teaching what I knew to others.
At first, I came across Schoolhouse, an online platform where students could tutor AP and math courses. I felt prepared to take part and train to become a certified tutor. With all the free time I had, I hosted SAT tutoring sessions for small groups of peers. Presenting myself to new faces felt no different from lending a hand to friends, but I often lost my place in my scattered notes and second-guessed what I wanted to say in the moment.
In pursuit of the skills to become a better educator, I participated in the Berkeley Lab Director’s Apprenticeship Program at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where I conducted and shared research with professional scientists and the general public. When my cohort evaluated my cluttered presentation, I identified recurring mistakes and revised it to keep my speech short and simple. I also redesigned my media and created mental checkpoints to stay organized.
On the day I stood by my poster, my anxiety was alleviated by the beaming smiles of those who stopped to listen. I began explaining concepts in simpler terms rather than reading directly from the board, leaving time to sprinkle jokes and add energy to my speech. The audience’s empathy and curiosity helped me find a natural flow for my words. Without their support, I wouldn’t have known how to take the first step toward engaging teaching.
A smile still blooms on my face when I witness “I don’t get it” expressions turn into “I do now!” I know I’m still climbing a learning curve with direction rather than scattering. Returning to school with a stronger passion for sharing what I’ve learned, I aspire to continue tutoring and contribute to peer-to-public outreach initiatives.