My name is Annabella Ruiz, and I am a high school senior with a strong interest in pursuing a nursing degree at the University of Nevada Reno. Throughout my high school journey, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, but it has not always been easy. One of the most by Annabella

My name is Annabella Ruiz, and I am a high school senior with a strong interest in pursuing a nursing degree at the University of Nevada Reno. Throughout my high school journey, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, but it has not always been easy. One of the most by Annabella - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Annabella Ruiz, and I am a high school senior with a strong interest in pursuing a nursing degree at the University of Nevada Reno. Throughout my high school journey, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, but it has not always been easy. One of the most challenging academic experiences I faced was during my junior year in my algebra two class. This class tested my patience, resilience, and determination like no other, but it also taught me valuable lessons that I will carry with me into my college career and beyond.

From the beginning, Algebra two was intimidating. The subject matter was complex, and the pace was much faster than any other class I had taken. I remember the first time I looked at an equation and felt completely lost. The concepts were abstract, and I struggled to grasp the intricacies of certain equations and quadratics. I felt overwhelmed, and for the first time, I doubted my academic abilities.

The turning point came after I received a disappointing grade on a major exam. I realized that my usual study methods were not enough for this class. I needed to adapt and find new strategies to succeed. I decided to take a proactive approach by seeking help and making changes to my study habits.

First, I began attending before-school tutoring sessions with my algebra teacher. These sessions were incredibly helpful because they allowed me to ask questions in a smaller, more focused setting. My teacher was patient and took the time to explain concepts in different ways until I understood them. This extra support made a significant difference in my comprehension of the material.

Second, I formed a study group with a few classmates who were also struggling. We met regularly to review notes, work through practice problems, and explain concepts to each other. Teaching my peers was surprisingly effective; it reinforced my understanding and helped me identify areas where I needed more practice. Collaborating with others also made studying more enjoyable and less isolating.

Third, I discovered online resources that complemented my learning. I watched educational videos that broke down complex topics into simpler, more digestible parts. These resources provided alternative explanations and visual aids that enhanced my understanding of difficult concepts.

Despite these efforts, there were still moments of frustration and doubt. However, I learned to be patient with myself and to celebrate small victories along the way. Each time I solved a challenging problem or improved my test scores, I gained confidence and motivation to keep pushing forward.

Through this experience, I developed better time management skills and learned the importance of persistence and adaptability. I also realized the value of seeking help and collaborating with others, which are essential skills in any field, especially in nursing. Nursing requires teamwork, communication, and the ability to approach problems from different angles, all of which I practiced during my algebra two journey.

This challenging academic experience taught me that it is okay to struggle and that failure is not the end but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. I now understand that perseverance and a willingness to adapt are crucial to overcoming obstacles. These lessons have prepared me for the challenges I will face in college and in my future career as a nurse.

In conclusion, overcoming the challenges of algebra two was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of seeking help and collaborating with others. These skills will be invaluable as I pursue a nursing degree at the University of Nevada Reno. I am excited to continue my education and apply what I have learned to make a positive impact in the healthcare field. Thank you for considering my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.