Passion Fueled by fate by Calvin

Passion Fueled by fate by Calvin - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

As a high school junior at Cedar Springs High School, I have always been passionate about science and medicine. With a strong interest in pursuing a career in medicine or biomedical engineering, I have dedicated myself to maintaining a high academic standard. However, one challenging academic experience that stands out was my struggle with Advanced Placement (AP) Biology during my junior year. This course tested my abilities and determination in ways I had never encountered before.

From the beginning, AP Biology was a demanding class, known for its rigorous curriculum and complex concepts. I had always excelled in science, but this class was different. The pace was fast, and the material was dense, requiring a deep understanding of chemical principles and the ability to apply them to solve challenging problems. Initially, I found myself overwhelmed, and my confidence began to waver as I struggled to keep up with the coursework.

The first major hurdle came with the unit on thermodynamics. Despite spending hours studying, I could not grasp the concepts of enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy. My test scores were not what I hoped for, and I felt discouraged. I realized that my usual study methods were not effective for this level of complexity, and I knew I had to change my approach if I wanted to succeed.

I decided to seek help and explore new strategies to overcome this challenge. First, I reached out to my teacher, Mr. Vree, who was incredibly supportive. He spent extra time with me after school, explaining the concepts in different ways until they started to make sense. His encouragement and patience helped rebuild my confidence, and I began to see the material from a new perspective.

Additionally, I formed a study group with a few classmates who were also struggling. We met regularly to discuss the material, work through practice problems, and quiz each other. This collaborative effort provided a supportive environment where we could learn from each other and share different problem-solving techniques. It also taught me the value of teamwork and communication in overcoming academic challenges.

Another strategy I adopted was utilizing online resources. I discovered educational websites and videos that broke down complex topics into more manageable parts. These resources offered visual and interactive explanations that complemented my textbook and class notes. By engaging with the material in various formats, I was able to reinforce my understanding and retain the information better.

As I implemented these new strategies, I noticed a gradual improvement in my comprehension and performance. My test scores began to rise, and I felt more confident tackling challenging problems. The turning point came during the final exam for the semester, where I achieved a score that I was truly proud of. It was a testament to the hard work and perseverance I had put into overcoming the difficulties I faced in AP Biology.

This experience taught me several important lessons. First, it reinforced the idea that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards improvement. I learned the importance of being open to different perspectives and approaches to learning. Collaboration and communication with peers can be powerful tools in overcoming obstacles. Additionally, I realized that resilience and adaptability are crucial skills in facing academic challenges.

The challenges I faced in AP Biology have prepared me for future academic pursuits, especially as I aim to study medicine or biomedical engineering at universities such as Michigan State University, Ferris State University, Central Michigan University, or the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. I know that these fields will present their own set of challenges, but I am confident that I can apply the lessons I have learned to overcome them.

In conclusion, my experience with AP Biology was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It tested my determination and forced me to adapt and seek new solutions. By reaching out for help, collaborating with peers, and utilizing diverse resources, I was able to overcome the challenges and grow as a student. This experience has strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in medicine and biomedical engineering, where I can continue to learn and make a positive impact. I am grateful for the lessons learned and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.