Academic Experience by Bridger

Academic Experience by Bridger - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

At Ray High School, I have always been determined to do my best, but there was one academic challenge that truly tested my resolve. It happened during my sophomore year in a subject that many students find difficult: chemistry. Chemistry is a subject that requires a deep understanding of complex concepts and the ability to apply them in various situations. For me, it was like learning a new language, and at first, I struggled to keep up.

The challenge began with the unit on stoichiometry. The concept was entirely new to me, and I found myself lost in a sea of equations and conversions. No matter how much I studied, the numbers did not seem to add up, and my grades reflected that confusion. I started to doubt my abilities and wondered if I could ever grasp the material. It was a tough time, as I had always prided myself on being a good student, and this was the first time I felt truly stuck.

I knew I had to do something different if I wanted to improve. The first step I took was to seek help. I approached my chemistry teacher, Mr. Johnson, who was always encouraging and patient. He offered to meet with me after school to go over the material. During these sessions, we broke down the concepts into smaller, more manageable parts. Mr. Johnson used real-life examples related to agriculture, which is my field of interest, to make the subject more relatable. This approach helped me see the relevance of chemistry in my future studies in agricultural business and management.

In addition to the extra help from my teacher, I formed a study group with a few classmates who were also struggling. We met regularly to discuss the material and work through problems together. This collaborative environment made a big difference because we were able to learn from each other and share different perspectives. It was reassuring to know that I was not alone in my struggles, and together, we were able to tackle the challenges more effectively.

Moreover, I realized the importance of practice and persistence. I dedicated extra time each day to work on chemistry problems, even when I felt frustrated. I used online resources, such as educational videos and practice quizzes, to reinforce my understanding. Slowly but surely, the pieces started to fall into place. I began to see patterns and connections in the material that I had not noticed before.

Through this experience, I learned the value of perseverance and the power of asking for help. It taught me that it is okay to struggle and that reaching out to others can be a strength, not a weakness. My grades in chemistry improved, and more importantly, I gained confidence in my ability to overcome academic challenges.

This experience also reinforced my passion for agriculture. Understanding chemistry is crucial for anyone pursuing a career in agricultural business and management. Whether it is analyzing soil composition or understanding the chemistry of fertilizers, the knowledge I gained will be invaluable in my future studies and career.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibility of attending North Dakota State University or one of the other colleges I am considering, where I can further explore my interests in agriculture. I am eager to apply the lessons I have learned from overcoming this challenge to my future studies. I know that college will bring its own set of difficulties, but I am confident that I have the tools and resilience to face them head-on.

In conclusion, facing the challenge of understanding stoichiometry in chemistry was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It was a humbling experience that taught me the importance of persistence, collaboration, and seeking help when needed. These are lessons that I will carry with me as I pursue my passion for agricultural business and management. I believe that overcoming this challenge has prepared me well for the future, and I am ready to take on whatever comes my way.