Strengths and Weaknesses of my formal education to date
What do I really, really, really want? I want to be with a wandering focus, to concentrate on what intrigues me; but when it bores me I want to be free to explore tangents. I want to live deliberately without obligation. I want intellectual stimulation, direction and work, but also the freedom to change directions and alter my work as necessary. I want to observe the world, absorb the world and be the world; to see everything, appreciate everything and bask in the commonality and greatness of all things. I want love. I want freedom. I want the intangible to be made actual. I want respect from all who I know and veneration from no one. I want to get out of the rat race. St. John¡¦s offers a way of life that at first glance seems atypical, but upon further examination becomes necessary for the mind and heart. I have chosen St. John¡¦s after much careful thought and reflection. I cherish an uncluttered existence filled with peaceful hours, unfettered silence, waves of contentment and the pacifying of my desire to learn and think great thoughts.. I want to lose my ego and keep my confidence. I want to see the earth with my eyes and the world with my mind. I want to enjoy luxury without guilt and face minimalism with contentment.
I want to live without want, according to my needs...following in the steps of the great thinkers, mentored by them centuries after their demise.
What I like most about St. John¡¦s College is its philosophy of education in creating an environment where students learning is authentic and undepartmentalized. Connections between subjects and texts are made without restriction. My education, to date, has not to any significant degree satisfied my intellectual curiosity. It has not engaged me to the depth and extent that I desire. St. John¡¦s approach will help to quench my thirst not only for knowledge, but for understanding. St. John¡¦s, more than any other school, will help me to get what I really, really, really need.
St. John¡¦s philosophy exemplifies the ideal I¡¦ve envisioned for what education ought to be. I don¡¦t want to get caught up with my GPA. I don¡¦t want to be concerned about class rank. I want to focus on learning with others and alone and on my own enlightenment. St. John¡¦s practice of encouraging students to lead the way will encourage me to thrive and grow.
Example Essays Home
