by Cassian

by Cassian - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I first started college at Southern New Hampshire University, I was excited but also a bit nervous. It was my first time in college, and I was eager to dive into my psychology major. However, the excitement quickly turned into a challenging academic experience that tested my resilience and determination.

During my first semester, I enrolled in a course called "Introduction to Psychological Statistics." I had always been interested in understanding human behavior and the mind, but I did not realize how much math would be involved in psychology. Statistics was something I had never been particularly confident in, and this class was proving to be much more difficult than I had anticipated.

The first few weeks were overwhelming. I struggled to keep up with the pace of the lectures and found the concepts confusing. I remember sitting in class, feeling lost as the professor explained statistical methods and formulas. It seemed like everyone else was getting it, while I was stuck trying to make sense of the numbers and terms. My first quiz did not go well, and I began to doubt my ability to succeed in the course.

Despite the initial setback, I knew I could not give up. I was determined to overcome this challenge and prove to myself that I could handle the demands of college-level coursework. I started by seeking help. I reached out to my professor during office hours and explained my struggles. She was understanding and provided me with additional resources, including online tutorials and practice problems. This was a turning point for me, as it showed me that I was not alone and that there were people willing to help me succeed.

In addition to seeking help from my professor, I joined a study group with some classmates. This was incredibly beneficial because it allowed me to hear different perspectives and explanations of the material. Working with others also motivated me to stay on track and not fall behind. We would meet regularly to review lecture notes, discuss difficult topics, and quiz each other. It was encouraging to see that I was not the only one who found the class challenging, and together, we were able to support each other’s learning.

I also took the time to develop better study habits. I realized that I needed to dedicate more time to reviewing the material and practicing problems. I set up a study schedule that allocated specific times each day to focus on statistics. This helped me manage my time better and reduced the stress of cramming before exams. I also made use of the university’s academic resources, such as tutoring services, which provided additional support and clarification on topics I found particularly challenging.

Over time, I started to notice improvements. The concepts that once seemed foreign began to make sense, and I felt more confident in my abilities. My grades gradually improved, and by the end of the semester, I had achieved a grade that I was proud of. More importantly, I had developed a newfound appreciation for statistics and its relevance to psychology.

This experience taught me several valuable lessons. First, I learned the importance of seeking help and not being afraid to ask questions. It is easy to feel embarrassed or ashamed when you do not understand something, but reaching out for support is a crucial step in overcoming challenges. Second, I realized the power of collaboration and how working with others can enhance your understanding and provide motivation. Lastly, I understood the significance of perseverance and hard work. It would have been easy to give up, but pushing through the difficulties taught me resilience and built my confidence.

As a Black woman in college, I am aware of the unique challenges I may face, but this experience has shown me that I am capable of overcoming obstacles. It has strengthened my resolve to pursue my degree in psychology and continue to learn and grow. I am grateful for the support I received from my professor, classmates, and university resources, and I am determined to use the skills I have gained to tackle future challenges.

In conclusion, the challenging experience of mastering psychological statistics was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It taught me resilience, the value of seeking help, and the importance of collaboration. These lessons will stay with me as I continue my studies and work towards my goals. I am proud of how far I have come, and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.