High school by Alexis

High school by Alexis - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

During my junior year of high school, I faced one of my most challenging academic experiences: AP Calculus. Math had always been a subject I approached with mixed emotions, but the fast-paced curriculum and complex concepts like derivatives and integrals pushed me to my limits. Early on, I struggled with understanding fundamental concepts, and my first test score reflected that. It was a wake-up call—I realized I couldn’t rely on the same study methods I had used before.

To overcome this, I developed a more structured approach to learning. I formed a study group with classmates, which allowed us to break down complex problems together and learn from each other's perspectives. Additionally, I attended after-school tutoring sessions and sought help from my teacher regularly. I also utilized online resources, such as video tutorials, to reinforce my understanding.

Through this process, I learned the importance of persistence and asking for help. My hard work paid off when I started seeing improvements in my grades and gained confidence in my abilities. By the end of the year, I had not only passed the class but earned a high score on the AP exam.

This experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience, collaboration, and the importance of seeking support. I now approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, knowing that with determination and the right resources, I can overcome any obstacle.