2024 Apex Hosting Minecraft Scholarship Winner

“Not now, I’m playing my game,” is a phrase I knew all too well growing up as an avid Minecraft player – taking up my free time in school, on the bus ride home, after finishing my homework, and right before falling asleep. What may seem like, in one’s perspective, an excessive amount of screen time for a 9-year-old, is in my eyes an obsession that unintentionally prepared a young child for the future ahead. Minecraft existing as a source of entertainment for people of all ages to express their creativity is simply a sliver of its true definition; a profounder version expanding upon its incredible ability to act as a positive influence on education and career development, best demonstrated by the video game’s application of learning opportunities that extract the best qualities from individuals worldwide.

Problem solving, becoming acclimated to unfamiliar stimuli, stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and learning to pursue the rather difficult route are just a few educational skills that can be acquired through the sphere of Minecraft. Playing for the first time, I was startled by the skeletons, zombies, spiders, and creepers that spawned at dusk, avoiding them at all cost by building a shelter of dirt with no bed in sight. Eventually, once I gained the courage needed, I taught myself proper defense by creating weapons and strategically terminating the mobs in a way that required little intervention. In retrospect, I was subconsciously mastering the idea that it is better to address conflict directly instead of seeking immediate circumvention, because new tasks are rarely breezy during the first attempt. The game also provides players with two options regarding their desired realm: creative and survival mode. This, to my awareness, is synonymous with life itself in relation to choices. When faced with two courses of action, it may be instinctive to choose the easier approach. But – taking into account Minecraft’s creative mode – doing so will result in no achievements since inventory is provided for, whereas in survival mode, one is reliant upon themselves in obtaining goods, experience points being earned along the way. If we continuously select the painless alternative, we will gain nothing valuable, however, in choosing the tough road, we receive a sense of proficiency that is beneficial for times ahead.

The immense influence on career development that Minecraft holds is emulated by the game’s strength in promoting the strategies of teamwork, resilience, and goal-setting. Often in the game an individual can be swarmed by various mobs, and only with the help of others can they be saved – especially when lacking the resources required to fight back. At times, a person may be in need of the knowledge, skillset, or expertise another possesses, and growing in these attributes occurs solely if assistance is requested. But, the process of getting to this position comes in multiple forms. Previously in my Minecraft fixation I had constructed a mansion that took months to assemble, its unfortunate end due to my inability to keep my hand steady. I had accidentally set it alight. After a period of mourning, I made the decision to rebuild, eventually procuring an even grander fortress than before. Recognizing what can be made of hapless setbacks reflects one’s capability to adapt to a given situation and the strength they hold while doing so. In addition to this newly found stamina is the attainment of goals – defeating the Ender Dragon being one of many for crafters. Existing as the strongest boss in the game, the creature can be slain only after the player completes a multitude of strenuous steps, such as manufacturing the End Portal and collecting the materials necessary – both of which have their own tribulations. Projecting onto reality, doing things one step at a time with hard work and determination will get you where you want to be.

Referring to its influence on education and career development, Minecraft holds an unequivocally positive one, given the lessons that are provided by experiencing the game. From a personal standpoint, the skills I have secured throughout the years by playing have been utilized to their full advantage. With problem solving, I have mastered how to properly time-manage, balancing an arduous academic schedule with work, sports, friends, family, and other outside obligations. My weakness as a student has consistently been mathematics, but with the application of teamwork and comfortability in asking for help, I carried an A on my shoulders for the past two years. Leaving my comfort zone my sophomore year of high school, I proudly was welcomed onto the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Community Foundation of Michigan, and, in addition to broadening my horizons, I became the first president of Jackson, Michigan’s Youth Advisory Committee. Senior year I, myself, set a goal that I would jumpstart my college career, which evolved into the passing of four college classes through dual enrollment and three AP exams through College Board, making all stress and time commitment worth it. As I begin my journey at Michigan State University this fall, I undoubtedly expect that Minecraft will continue to shape me as a scholar and young adult, as it has already been downloaded on my school laptop.