Overcoming Obstacles in Algebra ll by Carmen

Overcoming Obstacles in Algebra ll by Carmen - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My journey through high school has been filled with many challenges, but one academic experience stands out as particularly transformative. It was during my junior year when I faced a daunting obstacle in my math class. Math had always been one of those subjects that I found intriguing but also intimidating. That year, I was enrolled in Algebra II, a course that seemed to promise endless equations and complex concepts. As the semester progressed, I found myself struggling to keep up with the pace of the class, and my grades began to reflect my difficulties.

The turning point came when I moved to Montana 9 weeks into my Junior year. I remember sitting at my desk, feeling like I had hit a wall in Indiana. It was a blow to my confidence, and when I moved I got the help I needed. With a smaller more in depth class of students I was able to focus more on what the math actually meant rather than just doing it to get through the day. I felt comfortable enough to ask my teacher questions since it was a smaller setting. I did not feel like I could not ask my peers to explain something or work on assignments as a table because we always collaborated together to get through our assignments. We shared our strategies and tricks to help one another to see what works best for us as individuals.

I finally started understanding the material that was going on throughout class and maintained an A. I was able to help my peers and actually comprehend what our teacher was telling us. At my old school there were so many students it was hard for a teacher to focus on one student that did not understand, so I am grateful I had the opportunity to be in a class half the size as before and fully understand the material.

Looking back, I am grateful for this challenging experience because it prepared me for future academic endeavors. It instilled in me a resilience that I carry with me as I pursue my interests in accounting, finance, marketing, and business administration. I understand that these fields will present their own set of challenges, but I am confident in my ability to tackle them head-on. I know now that you cannot just rush through things you do not understand to move to the next thing. You have to fully understand what you are given and complete your task to feel accomplished and take in what you are doing.

As I look forward to attending college, possibly at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of Montana, or University of Arizona, I am excited about the opportunities to continue learning and growing. I am eager to apply the lessons I have learned from overcoming academic challenges to my future studies and career. This experience has not only strengthened my academic skills but also shaped my character, preparing me for the diverse and dynamic world of business.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming the challenge in my Algebra II class was a pivotal moment in my high school journey. It taught me resilience, the importance of seeking help, and the value of collaboration. These lessons will undoubtedly guide me as I pursue my academic and career goals, and I am grateful for the growth that came from this experience.