Academic challenges by Adrian

Academic challenges by Adrian - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I started my journey at Marymount University, I was excited and ready to dive into the world of IT, computer science, and cybersecurity. I knew these fields were challenging, but I was eager to learn and grow. However, during my sophomore year, I faced an academic challenge that tested not only my skills but also my determination and resilience.

The challenge came in the form of a course called "Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures." It was notorious among students for being one of the toughest courses in the computer science curriculum. I had always been confident in my programming abilities, but this class was on a different level. The concepts were complex, and the workload was intense. I found myself struggling to keep up with the lectures and assignments, and my grades started to slip.

At first, I felt overwhelmed and discouraged. I wondered if I had chosen the right path. But deep down, I knew I could not give up. I was passionate about technology and cybersecurity, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could overcome this hurdle. So, I decided to take a step back and reevaluate my approach to the course.

The first thing I did was to seek help. I reached out to my professor and expressed my difficulties. He was understanding and offered additional office hours to help me grasp the concepts better. I also joined a study group with fellow classmates who were facing similar challenges. We met regularly to discuss lecture materials, work on assignments together, and support each other. This collaborative environment made a significant difference. It was comforting to know I was not alone in my struggles, and together, we could tackle the problems more effectively.

In addition to seeking help, I realized I needed to improve my time management skills. Balancing multiple classes, projects, and personal commitments was not easy, and I had to become more disciplined. I started using a planner to organize my tasks and set specific goals for each study session. This helped me stay focused and ensured I was making steady progress.

Another important step was changing how I approached the material. Instead of passively reading the textbook or watching lecture videos, I began to actively engage with the content. I would take detailed notes, summarize key points, and create mind maps to visualize the connections between different concepts. This active learning approach helped me retain information better and made studying more enjoyable.

Moreover, I took advantage of online resources. There are countless tutorials, forums, and coding practice websites available, and I used them to supplement my learning. Websites like Stack Overflow and GitHub became valuable tools where I could find answers to specific questions and see how others approached similar problems. Practicing coding problems on platforms like LeetCode also helped me improve my problem-solving skills.

Despite my efforts, there were still times when I felt stuck or frustrated. During those moments, I reminded myself of my passion for technology and my long-term goals. I wanted to contribute to making the digital world a safer place, and to do that, I needed to master these challenging subjects. This motivation kept me going, even when the going got tough.

By the end of the semester, I saw significant improvement. My grades in "Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures" improved, and more importantly, I gained a deeper understanding of the material. I learned that perseverance, seeking help, and adapting my study strategies were key to overcoming academic challenges.

This experience taught me valuable lessons that extend beyond the classroom. It showed me the importance of resilience and the power of collaboration. It also reinforced my belief that challenges are opportunities for growth. As a Hispanic student in the field of technology, I am proud of overcoming this obstacle, and it has strengthened my determination to succeed in my studies and future career.

Looking back, I am grateful for the support I received from my professor and classmates, and for the resources that helped me along the way. This challenge was a pivotal moment in my academic journey, and it has prepared me to face future challenges with confidence and a positive mindset.

In conclusion, the academic challenge I faced in "Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures" was a turning point in my college career. It taught me that with the right mindset, support, and strategies, I can overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. I am now more determined than ever to continue my studies in IT, computer science, and cybersecurity, and to make a meaningful impact in the tech world.