Battling a Negative Academic Mindset by Caroline

Battling a Negative Academic Mindset by Caroline - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Throughout much of my academic career I have maintained good grades and a sufficient GPA, but when I reached high school, post COVID, I began to struggle. School was not coming as easily to me as it had in the past, and I was having to work exponentially harder to receive grades that I hadn't really had to put effort into in the past.
Throughout my sophomore year, my confidence began to tank. I attend an academically rigorous school, and it seemed to me as though my peers were excelling and I was being left in the dust. As the school year progressed, I was being asked what my plans for the future were by peers and adults around me, and I had no answer for them. I had ruled out college, because I was having such a difficult time in school, and believed that college was only for "smart people." I finished out my sophomore year with this same mindset, and continued to worry about my future, because I wasn't the "college type." I was scared entering my Junior year, because for many students, this is the most difficult year of high school. My fear was warranted however, I was taking physics and AP Precalculus, and because I am not science and mathematically inclined, the first few months of the semester were insanely difficult. I would sit at my dining table slaving away for hours over assignments from these two classes. As winter break approached I was at the end of my rope and felt angry regarding the amount of time I was spending on these classes, yet I was reaping no rewards. My grades were not great and I was dreading going home after school to do my homework. I eventually sat down with my math teacher and we discussed a plan of action regarding the next semester that would allow me to be successful going forward. I came back from winter break feeling refreshed and ready to work. I was able to get my grades up and finished out the semester with a better GPA than I had in the past. Encouraged by my academic success, I began to think about the possibility of attending university. I finished out my Junior year with a high GPA and I was number one varsity player on my tennis team. Over the summer I took more leadership opportunities at my church and toured some universities. I continued to grow throughout the summer not just as a student, but into a young adult.
As I entered my senior year, I was excited to push myself. I still struggled during the first few months of school, as most students do, due to me taking some difficult classes. But I didn't have the same attitude that I had in tenth grade. I was fueled by an excitement to attend a university and further my education. Though I have had a difficult relationship with school in the past, I am beginning to realize the opportunities and the ability to work hard it has provided for me.