It’s that time of the year again. Where a large chunk of the world’s young adults is either going to college for the first time or returning to college after a long summer break. COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY – big daunting words that can get the best of us nervous and make us feel small.

Yes, it’s not for everyone. Some people can find equally rewarding and fulfilling alternate routes to their lives. But this week’s Quotaholic is for those who do want to indulge in this life-altering, social and academic experience.

Being a veteran, I realize that through these roller coaster years a student can use every bit of motivation and inspiration to keep going. So here are two college application essays by TV characters that make you want to go get that degree.

Tyra Collette – Friday Night Lights

Two years ago, I was afraid of wanting anything. I figured wanting would lead to trying and trying would lead to failure. But now I find I can’t stop wanting. I want to fly somewhere on first class. I want to travel to Europe on a business trip. I want to get invited to the White House. I want to learn about the world. I want to surprise myself. I want to be important. I want to be the best person I can be. I want to define myself instead of having others define me. I want to win and have people be happy for me. I want to lose and get over it. I want to not be afraid of the unknown. I want to grow up and be generous and big hearted, the way people have been with me. I want an interesting and surprising life. It’s not that I think I’m going to get all these things, I just want the possibility of getting them. College represents possibility. The possibility that things are going to change. I can’t wait.

Ephram Brown – Everwood

Tell us about yourself in such a way that we will have a good sense of who you are; 500 words.
I wish you would’ve asked me that two years ago. I could’ve told you exactly who I was, who I’d be. Two years ago I knew it all and the thing is, I was right. Plans are like candy to the Fates. The only thing you could ever be sure of is nothing ever goes the way you imagined. I should probably be used to that by now. The thing is you can never tell when everything you counted on might fall apart – no matter how solid the rock. Rocks break. Everything changes, even when you think you’re sure, especially. To be fair, if I was one of the Fates looking down at the best-laid plans of dumb little people, I’d probably see mine and want to mess with them too. You want to know about me in 500 words? I get scared sometimes and disappointed. I have doubts and I love getting my way. I don’t like change, but I know it’s good for me and inevitable so I welcome it as best I can. There’s a poem by Johann Franck that says it better than I will. “Defy the old dragon, defy fear. The world may rage and quake but I shall remain singing in perfect peace.” Yeah, things happen – things you don’t expect – or want or like. The world rages and you become someone you didn’t know you’d ever be. And there you are, in your clothes, in your life, this is my future, this is me. This is me and I want things I never thought I would. I want the possibilities a school like Princeton can afford. A place to grow, meet new people. A place to be surprised when life turns out to be nothing like I imagined. You have to be grateful for it – in perfect peace.

Has any TV character inspired you academically? Share your thoughts below.