Pushing through by Alexandria

Pushing through by Alexandria - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Alexandria Sanders, and I am a freshman at North Carolina Central University, majoring in Business Administration. Reflecting on my academic journey, I realize that one of the most challenging experiences I faced was during my senior year of high school. It was a time that tested my resilience and determination, ultimately shaping my approach to challenges in college.

In high school, I always aimed to maintain a strong GPA. I managed to keep a 4.2 average, which I was proud of, but my senior year brought unexpected difficulties. I was taking an advanced placement calculus class, a subject that had always been a bit of a struggle for me. I chose to take it because I wanted to challenge myself and prepare for college-level coursework. However, as the semester progressed, I found myself overwhelmed by the complexity of the material.

The first few weeks were manageable, but as we delved deeper into calculus, I started falling behind. The concepts were abstract, and I struggled to keep up with the pace of the class. My grades began to slip, and I felt a growing sense of panic. It was disheartening to see my hard work not translate into the results I hoped for, especially since I was so close to graduation and wanted to finish strong.

I knew I had to do something to turn things around. The first step I took was reaching out for help. I approached my calculus teacher, who was understanding and supportive. She encouraged me to attend after-school tutoring sessions that she offered. At first, I felt embarrassed about needing extra help, but I quickly realized that asking for assistance was a strength, not a weakness.

The tutoring sessions were incredibly helpful. My teacher took the time to break down the complex concepts into smaller, more manageable parts. She also provided additional practice problems that allowed me to apply what I learned in class. Slowly but surely, I began to grasp the material better. I also formed a study group with a few classmates who were facing similar struggles. We met regularly to review our notes, work through problems together, and hold each other accountable.

Another critical aspect of overcoming this challenge was improving my time management skills. Balancing my calculus workload with other responsibilities, like college applications and extracurricular activities, was overwhelming at times. I started using a planner to organize my schedule, setting aside specific times for studying calculus and other subjects. This approach helped me stay focused and ensured that I dedicated enough time to each task.

Through persistence and hard work, my grades in calculus gradually improved. By the end of the semester, I managed to raise my grade significantly, which was a huge relief and a testament to the effort I had put in. More importantly, this experience taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, seeking help when needed, and the importance of effective study habits.

Transitioning to college, I carried these lessons with me. I knew that university-level courses would present their own challenges, but I felt better equipped to handle them. My first semester at North Carolina Central University has been rewarding, and I am proud to have achieved a 4.0 GPA. The skills I developed during my senior year of high school have been instrumental in my success so far.

This challenging academic experience also reinforced my passion for business administration. I realized that just like calculus, the business world is full of complex problems that require creative solutions and collaboration. I am excited to continue my studies and apply the perseverance and problem-solving skills I have honed to my future career.

In conclusion, overcoming the challenges I faced in my high school calculus class was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It taught me resilience, the importance of seeking support, and the value of effective time management. These lessons have been crucial in my transition to college and will continue to guide me as I pursue my goals in business administration. I am grateful for the experience and the growth it inspired, and I am eager to face future challenges with the same determination and optimism.