Ogochukwu Obiagwu
Westland High School
University of Chicago Essay
20 October, 2015
“My Home Away From Home”
Open six months a year, five days a week, and eight hours a day was what Westland High School called the Paw Lab: Tutors in Math, Science, English, History, Spanish- you name it- all at one place. This program was implemented to allow students who struggled in a particular subject an opportunity to pursue extra help outside of the classroom. While my grades were never an issue, I have called the Paw Lab my second home at least six months a year, five days a week, and one to two hours a day, since Freshmen year. This left my mentors asking, “Why do you come up here everyday?” I watched the shock surface on their faces as I responded, “I enjoy my homework.” She wondered what it was that made me love my homework and I told her, “I love to learn.” This was something I could tell she was not used to hearing.
That “aha” moment I get during an assignment I have been struggling with or a concept I just could not wrap my head around is the greatest feeling. And once I get the steps down, I love to practice. Repetition upon repetition, I could sit down and solve tax problems all day long and I would genuinely enjoy it. Learning new ways to perfect my accounting skills and the excitement that hits me when my financial statements balance is utter relief. While I can learn numerous things in the classroom, education is not limited to only what you learn at an institution. Walking down the street and observing all walks of life is a learning experience in itself. Waiting in line for your cheeseburger and sparking a conversation with a stranger is an ideal way to broaden your understanding in areas that could range from the National Football Champions, to breakthrough research in cancer. There is just something about being educated, and expanding your intelligence, that brings me joy. Diversifying your expertise allows you to stay one step ahead, and provides endless opportunities. As they say, “You learn something new every day,” and it is surely no understatement.
Of all 4000+ colleges and universities to pick from, I always questioned how I possibly could narrow my choice down to just one. With a growing interest in entrepreneurship and a devotion to serving my community, my experiences from running my business, interning, and volunteering has had a magnificent influence on my selection of a business and law related major. This past summer, after attending the Accounting Careers Awareness Program (ACAP) at The Ohio State University, I was nearly convinced Ohio State would be my home the next four years. ACAP-Ohio was intriguing because of the extensive opportunity I got to really understand what accounting is all about, while staying on Ohio State’s campus for a whole week and getting a feel of what it’s like as a Buckeye. Although ACAP-Ohio nearly sealed the deal for me, contemplating all the factors that would lead to my final decision, I realized I wanted to continue my exploration of life outside of my home state.
Inspired by success stories of notable alumni, like Mark Hoplamazian, who earned his MBA at the Booth School of Business, and is currently CEO of the Hyatt Hotels and Bernie Sanders, who currently is on the 2016 presidential campaign, University of Chicago immediately drew my attention. Furthermore, I come from a school with an incredibly diverse background, from multi-lingual classmates to those with ten siblings. This facilitated the importance of continuing my education in a diverse community, but diversity isn’t the only aspect that has drawn me to UChicago. I have a passion for business; specifically entrepreneurship, and The Booth School of Business would be a great place to pursue my passion.
Scrolling through what seemed like an endless list of Colleges, I knew I wanted a place where I would not feel like a quirky outcast because I “loved my homework.” I want an institution where I can get to know my classmates and professors, and not a place I would look like a spec in a room full with 500+ students. UChicago’s 6:1 student to faculty ratio is a perfect way to build relationships with my peers and instructors. I want to be able to walk to class with a smile on my face because I am excited for what lies ahead. Therefore, despite my fear of sharks, I would love to participate in the several activities UChicago is known for, like the 2012-2014 four day world record scavenger hunt, that UChicago Maroons look forward to annually. I yearn to be a part of a place that would be my “home away from home.” Where advisors genuinely cared, as parents would, and classmates guided you, as siblings would. Therefore, after my extensive research I found that University of Chicago doesn’t only fit the shoe as a top tier institution that would challenge me academically; But most importantly it is a school that would make me feel at home.
Surpassing my goals and reaching my dreams…
Four years later… I proudly walk up the stairs as I hear my name called at my University of Chicago graduation “Ogochukwu Chinemerem Obiagwu, class of 2020.”