Brayden Wilson by Brayden

Brayden Wilson by Brayden - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

During my junior year of high school, I faced what I consider the most challenging academic experience so far. The challenge came in the form of my AP Calculus class. Math had always been a subject I enjoyed and did well in, but this particular class pushed me to my limits. The concepts were complex, and the pace was much faster than I was used to. For the first time, I found myself struggling to keep up.

At first, I tried to handle it the way I had with previous classes—by reviewing my notes and doing the homework assignments. However, as the weeks went by, I realized that my usual methods were not enough. My grades were slipping, and I began to feel overwhelmed. It was a tough moment for me because I had always taken pride in my ability to understand and excel in math.

I knew I had to change my approach if I wanted to succeed. The first step I took was reaching out for help. I started attending after-school tutoring sessions that my teacher offered. This was a big step for me because I had never really needed extra help before. During these sessions, I was able to ask questions and get one-on-one assistance with the topics I found most difficult. My teacher was patient and explained things in a way that started to make sense to me.

In addition to tutoring, I formed a study group with a few classmates. We would meet a couple of times a week to go over homework and prepare for upcoming tests. This group became a valuable resource because we could learn from each other. Sometimes, a classmate would explain a concept in a different way that clicked for me, and other times, I was able to help someone else understand something better. Working together made the material less intimidating and more manageable.

Another strategy I adopted was changing the way I studied. I began to focus more on understanding the underlying concepts rather than just memorizing formulas. I spent time watching online videos and reading additional materials that broke down the calculus concepts into simpler terms. This helped me see the bigger picture and understand why we were doing what we were doing, not just how to do it.

I also learned the importance of time management. Balancing my calculus work with other classes and extracurricular activities meant I had to be more organized. I started using a planner to schedule my study sessions and set specific goals for what I wanted to achieve in each session. This helped me stay on track and reduced the stress of feeling like I was constantly behind.

Through these efforts, I gradually began to see improvement. My grades started to rise, and I felt more confident in my abilities. By the end of the year, I had not only passed the class but also scored well on the AP exam. This experience taught me that it is okay to ask for help and that persistence and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges.

The lessons I learned from my AP Calculus class have stayed with me and will continue to influence my academic journey. As I prepare to enter college and pursue a major in Finance, I know that I will face new and different challenges. However, I feel more prepared to tackle them because of what I went through in high school. I am excited about the opportunity to study Finance at William Jewell College and am confident that the skills I developed will help me succeed in my future studies.

Overall, this challenging experience taught me that growth often comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone and that perseverance is essential. I am grateful for the support I received from my teacher and classmates and proud of the progress I made. This experience has strengthened my resolve to continue working hard and to approach future challenges with the same determination and openness to learning.