Motivation by Angela

Motivation by Angela - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My journey through college has been filled with a lot of learning experiences, but one of the most challenging academic moments I faced was during my first year at Southern New Hampshire University. As a Criminal Justice major, I was excited to dive into my courses and learn about the justice system, but I quickly realized that college was not going to be as straightforward as I had imagined.

The first semester was particularly tough for me. I struggled to adjust to the college workload and the expectations that came with it. High school had been much different, and I found myself overwhelmed by the amount of reading, the complexity of the assignments, and the pace of the classes. My GPA at the end of that semester was not where I wanted it to be, and it was a wake-up call for me.

One course, in particular, Criminal Law, was a real challenge. The material was dense, and the legal terminology was like learning a new language. I remember sitting in class, feeling lost and unsure if I was cut out for this major. The first few quizzes and assignments did not go well, and I started to doubt my abilities.

I knew I had to make a change if I wanted to succeed. The first step I took was reaching out for help. I met with my professor during office hours, which was intimidating at first, but I found that they were more than willing to help me understand the material better. They gave me advice on how to approach the readings and what to focus on, which helped me a lot.

I also started forming study groups with classmates. This was a game changer because discussing the material with others helped me see things from different perspectives and reinforced my understanding. We would quiz each other, discuss case studies, and share notes. It made studying less isolating and more engaging.

Time management was another area I had to work on. I realized that I needed to be more disciplined with my schedule. I started using a planner to map out my week, allocating specific times for studying, attending classes, and completing assignments. Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable parts made the workload feel less overwhelming.

I also learned the importance of taking care of myself. In the beginning, I was so focused on trying to keep up that I neglected my health. I made sure to incorporate regular breaks, exercise, and proper meals into my routine. This helped me stay focused and reduced my stress levels.

By the end of my first year, I noticed a significant improvement in my academic performance. My GPA improved, and I felt more confident in my abilities. I learned that it was okay to ask for help and that collaboration with peers could be incredibly beneficial. I also discovered the value of perseverance and self-care in overcoming challenges.

This experience taught me that challenges are a part of life, but they do not have to define us. Instead, they can be opportunities for growth and learning. I am proud of how far I have come and the skills I have developed along the way. I know that these lessons will serve me well in my future studies and career in criminal justice.

Looking back, I am grateful for the challenges I faced during my first year. They pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, seek out resources, and build a support network. I am now more prepared to tackle future obstacles with resilience and determination.

In conclusion, my challenging academic experience taught me the importance of seeking help, collaborating with others, managing my time effectively, and taking care of my well-being. These lessons have been invaluable in my journey as a college student and will continue to guide me in my pursuit of a career in criminal justice. I am determined to keep learning and growing, no matter what challenges come my way.