Challenge check by Crayton

Challenge check by Crayton - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my high school years, I have faced several challenges, but one academic experience stands out as particularly formative. It was during my junior year, when I was struggling with my accounting class. Numbers have always intrigued me, and I knew that accounting was a fundamental skill for many of the career paths I am interested in, like business administration and finance. However, I quickly found that understanding the principles of accounting was not as straightforward as I had hoped.

The challenge began with the first few assignments. I found myself confused by the concepts of debits and credits, and how they fit into larger financial statements. As the semester progressed, the material became increasingly complex, and I started to fall behind. My grades were slipping, and I felt overwhelmed by the prospect of not being able to grasp something so essential to my future goals.

At first, I tried to handle it on my own. I spent hours reading the textbook and redoing practice problems, but nothing seemed to stick. It was frustrating to put in so much effort and see little improvement. I realized that I needed to change my approach if I wanted to succeed.

The turning point came when I decided to seek help. It was not easy for me to admit that I could not do it alone, but I knew it was necessary. I started attending after-school tutoring sessions with my accounting teacher. These sessions were incredibly helpful because they allowed me to ask questions in a one-on-one setting and receive immediate feedback. My teacher was patient and broke down the concepts into simpler terms, which made them easier to understand.

In addition to tutoring, I formed a study group with a few classmates who were also struggling. We met once a week to review the material together. This was beneficial because we were able to learn from each other’s perspectives and fill in gaps in our understanding. Explaining concepts to my peers also reinforced my own knowledge.

I also took advantage of online resources. I found several educational videos that explained accounting principles in a way that clicked for me. These videos provided visual aids and real-world examples that made the material more relatable and easier to grasp. I would watch these videos before tackling my homework, which helped me approach the problems with more confidence.

Slowly but surely, my hard work began to pay off. I started to notice improvements in my understanding of the material and my grades began to rise. By the end of the semester, I had managed to bring my grade up significantly, and I felt proud of the progress I had made. More importantly, I gained confidence in my ability to face academic challenges and learned the value of seeking help and collaborating with others.

This experience taught me several important lessons that I will carry with me into college and beyond. First, it taught me the importance of perseverance. Even when things seem difficult, it is crucial to keep pushing forward and not give up. Second, I learned that it is okay to ask for help. No one has all the answers, and seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness. Finally, I discovered the power of collaboration. Working with others can provide new insights and make the learning process more enjoyable and effective.

As I prepare to attend Washburn University, where I plan to study subjects like accounting, business administration, and finance, I feel more prepared to handle the academic challenges that I may encounter. I know that I have the tools and strategies to overcome obstacles, and I am eager to apply what I have learned to my future studies. I am excited about the opportunities that college will bring and am determined to make the most of my education.

In conclusion, facing difficulties in my accounting class was a challenging academic experience, but it ultimately helped me grow as a student and as a person. By seeking help, collaborating with others, and persevering through tough times, I was able to overcome this challenge and set myself up for future success. I am grateful for the lessons I learned and am looking forward to applying them as I continue my educational journey.