Challenges I have faced by Audrey

Challenges I have faced by Audrey - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Audrey Gray, and I am a high school junior really interested in healthcare. I am thinking about majors like Nursing, Nursing Assistant, Pre-Nursing, and Pre-Med, and I am hoping to go to the University of Iowa, Clemson University, or the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. But getting here has not been easy, and I have faced some tough academic challenges along the way.

Back in my sophomore year, I signed up for AP Biology. I have always loved science, so I thought it would be a great fit. But wow, it was way harder than I expected. There was so much information to take in, and it was all really detailed. I struggled to keep up with the class and really understand the material.

The hardest part for me was when we covered cellular respiration and photosynthesis. The concepts were really complex, and the diagrams were a nightmare to memorize. I spent hours reading and taking notes, but it just was not clicking. When I got my first test back, the grade was a lot lower than I was used to. I was pretty upset and started doubting if I could handle the class or even a career in healthcare.

But I knew I could not just give up. So, I decided to try something different. First, I talked to my teacher about it. I realized I needed to actually understand the stuff, not just memorize it. My teacher was super helpful and offered to meet with me after school to go over the things I was stuck on. Those sessions made a big difference because I could ask questions and get answers right away.

I also teamed up with a few classmates to form a study group. We met up regularly to go over the material, quiz each other, and share tips on how to understand the concepts better. It was really helpful to see things from different perspectives. We also used online resources like videos and interactive diagrams, which made learning a lot more interesting.

On top of that, I started using a planner to manage my time better. I broke down the material into smaller chunks and set specific goals for each study session. This helped me avoid cramming and kept my stress in check. Slowly but surely, my hard work started to pay off. My test scores improved, and I felt more confident in my understanding of the material.

This whole experience taught me that challenges are just opportunities to grow. It showed me that perseverance and asking for help are key to overcoming obstacles. It also reinforced my passion for science and my dream of working in healthcare, where I can keep learning and help people.

Now, I feel ready for the challenges of college and a career in healthcare. I have learned that I can overcome difficulties, and I am more determined than ever to reach my goals. I am excited about the chance to go to a university where I can keep pushing myself and growing as a student and future healthcare professional.

Looking back, this academic challenge was a big part of my journey. It taught me important lessons about resilience, working with others, and asking for help when I need it. I am grateful for the experience because it made me stronger and more determined. I am confident that these skills will help me as I pursue my education and career, and I am looking forward to the opportunities ahead.