by Breanna

by Breanna - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Breanna Bagley, and I am excited to apply for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship. I am a recent high school graduate, ready to start my journey at Jefferson State Community College, where I plan to major in Nursing. I would like to share a challenging academic experience I faced and how I overcame it, which has shaped my determination to pursue a career in healthcare.

Throughout high school, I struggled with maintaining a strong GPA. My GPA was 2.5, which reflects the challenges I faced, but it does not capture the full story of my journey. One of the most difficult academic experiences I encountered was during my sophomore year in chemistry class. Science has always been a subject that fascinates me, but chemistry was like a whole new language. The concepts were complex, and I often found myself lost during lectures. Despite my interest in science, I struggled to grasp the material, which affected my confidence.

At first, I felt overwhelmed and discouraged. I knew that my dream of becoming a nurse required a solid understanding of sciences like chemistry, so I could not afford to give up. I realized that I needed to change my approach to overcome this challenge. The first step I took was to seek help. I reached out to my chemistry teacher, who was understanding and supportive. She encouraged me to attend extra help sessions after school, where she broke down the material in a way that was easier for me to understand.

In addition to the extra help sessions, I formed a study group with a few classmates who were also struggling. We met twice a week to review notes, work on practice problems, and quiz each other. This peer support was invaluable. We were able to share different perspectives and techniques for understanding the material, which made a big difference. I found that teaching others what I had learned helped reinforce my own understanding.

I also took advantage of online resources. I discovered educational videos that explained chemistry concepts in a visual and engaging way. These videos allowed me to learn at my own pace, pausing and replaying them as needed. This self-directed learning helped me gain a better grasp of the subject.

Through these efforts, I gradually improved my understanding of chemistry. I went from feeling completely lost to being able to solve problems and participate in class discussions. My grades improved, and I finished the year with a solid understanding of the subject. More importantly, I regained my confidence in my ability to tackle difficult subjects.

This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and seeking help when needed. I learned that it is okay to struggle, but it is crucial to take proactive steps to overcome those struggles. I also realized the value of collaboration and peer support in learning. These lessons have prepared me for the challenges I will face in college and in my future nursing career.

As I prepare to enter Jefferson State Community College, I am determined to apply these lessons to my studies. I know that nursing will be demanding, but I am ready to face the challenges head-on. I am committed to seeking help, collaborating with peers, and using all available resources to succeed in my studies. My passion for helping others and my determination to overcome obstacles will drive me to become a compassionate and skilled nurse.

In conclusion, the academic challenge I faced in chemistry taught me resilience and the importance of seeking support. These lessons have strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in nursing. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship, and I hope to use this support to further my education and achieve my dream of making a difference in the healthcare field. Thank you for considering my application.