My Educational Challenges by Aileigh

My Educational Challenges by Aileigh - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Aileigh Riegsecker, and I am a high school senior with a passion for education. I am excited to share my journey with you, especially a challenging academic experience that taught me a lot about perseverance and growth. I hope to attend Purdue University Fort Wayne and major in Education, where I can inspire future students just as my teachers have inspired me.

During my junior year, I faced a significant academic challenge when I got a severe concussion from playing soccer. It was incredibly hard to do school work without technology and not being able to be in school and doing it from home. I struggled to keep up with the demands of my coursework with a concussion. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried, I could not improve my grades. I remember feeling overwhelmed and defeated, like I was stuck in a cycle of trying and failing.

I also found it incredibly hard when I recovered because I started working 3 jobs and this was my first time working during the school year while also doing soccer. I thought I could manage it all, but it was extremely challenging and exhausting. I was a Lifegaurd for the indoor pool at my high school, I refereed 1st grade soccer s 2 games a few nights a week, and worked at an Ace Hardware. I realized when my grades continued dropping that it was all too much and I needed to cut back on my workload. The next school year, this year, I am only working at Ace Hardware and doing two college courses and I am managing a 4.0 this year. I am a dedicated and hard working person who wants to succeed and be successful.

Another important strategy I adopted was studying with a friend. I teamed up with her few nights and we both sat down and studied. Collaborating with others allowed me to see different perspectives and learn new study techniques. It also provided a sense of support, which motivated me to keep pushing forward.

As I continued to work hard and apply these strategies, my grades began to improve. I experienced small victories, like scoring higher on quizzes and tests, which boosted my confidence. This positive momentum carried over to my other classes, and I started to believe in my ability to succeed academically.

Reflecting on this experience, I learned that challenges are opportunities for growth. Overcoming my academic struggles taught me resilience and the value of persistence. I discovered that setbacks do not define me, but rather how I respond to them does. This mindset has become a guiding principle in my life, and I am grateful for the lessons I learned during this challenging time.

Now, as I prepare to transition to college, I am excited to bring this resilience and determination to my studies at Purdue University Fort Wayne. I am passionate about becoming an educator because I want to inspire and support students who face similar challenges. My experience has shown me the impact a dedicated teacher can have, and I hope to be that source of encouragement for others.

My challenging academic experience taught me the importance of seeking help, staying organized, and working collaboratively. It showed me that with determination and the right support, I can overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. As I pursue a degree in Education, I am committed to using these lessons to inspire and empower future generations of students. Thank you for considering my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.