Challenging Academics by Becca

Challenging Academics by Becca - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Becca Dugan, and I am currently a freshman at Kirkwood Community College and I am transferring to Florida Southern College this spring, majoring in Chemistry, and considering Pre-Med. As a first-time college student, I have encountered several academic challenges, but one stands out as a particularly defining experience. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of seeking help when needed.

During my first semester in college, I enrolled in an advanced Chemistry course. Chemistry has always fascinated me, and I was eager to dive deeper into the subject. However, the transition from high school to college-level coursework was more difficult than I anticipated. In high school, I maintained a 4.0 GPA, but college presented a whole new level of complexity and independence.

The first few weeks of the Chemistry course were overwhelming. The pace was fast, and the expectations were high. I found myself struggling to keep up with the lectures and assignments. The material was more detailed and required a deeper understanding than what I was used to. I realized that my high school study habits were not enough to succeed in this environment.

My first major setback came with the initial midterm exam. Despite studying hard, I did not perform as well as I had hoped. Seeing a grade that did not reflect my efforts was disheartening. It was a wake-up call that I needed to change my approach to learning if I wanted to succeed in this course and my future career in medicine.

To overcome this challenge, I took several steps. First, I reassessed my study habits. I realized that I needed to be more organized and proactive in my learning. I started by creating a detailed study schedule, dedicating specific times each day to review lecture notes and work on practice problems. I also began using active learning techniques, such as teaching the material to myself aloud and creating mind maps to connect different concepts.

Additionally, I sought help from my professor and classmates. I attended office hours regularly, where I could ask questions and clarify any doubts I had about the material. My professor was incredibly supportive and provided valuable insights into how to approach complex topics. I also formed a study group with a few classmates, which allowed us to share knowledge and support each other through the course. Discussing the material with peers helped me gain different perspectives and reinforced my understanding.

Another important step was utilizing campus resources. Kirkwood Community College offers tutoring services, and I took full advantage of this opportunity. Meeting with a tutor helped me to identify areas where I needed improvement and provided me with additional practice problems to work through. The tutors were patient and helped me build confidence in my abilities.

Throughout this experience, I learned the importance of perseverance and adaptability. It was not easy to face the possibility of failure, but I realized that setbacks are a part of the learning process. By being open to change and willing to seek help, I was able to turn a challenging situation into a valuable learning experience.

By the end of the semester, my hard work paid off. I saw significant improvement in my grades and, more importantly, in my understanding of the subject. The challenge I faced in my Chemistry course taught me that success in academics, and in life, is not just about intelligence or talent, but about dedication, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new situations.

This experience has prepared me for future challenges in my academic journey and my path towards a career in medicine. It has strengthened my commitment to my studies and reinforced my passion for the sciences. I am grateful for the lessons I learned and the support I received from my professors, classmates, and the college community.

In conclusion, facing a challenging academic experience taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of seeking help when needed. It pushed me to improve my study habits, utilize available resources, and build a support network. These skills and lessons will undoubtedly serve me well as I continue my education and work towards my goal of becoming a doctor.