Challenging academic experience by Danielle

Challenging academic experience by Danielle - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I first started my college journey at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, I was both excited and nervous. I was entering a new phase of life, and I knew it would come with its own set of challenges. One of the most significant academic challenges I faced was adjusting to the rigorous demands of college-level coursework while trying to balance my personal life.

In high school, I had always been a good student, but college was a whole new ball game. The workload was heavier, the expectations were higher, and the pace was much faster. I quickly realized that the study habits that had served me well in high school were not going to cut it in college. I was struggling to keep up with my assignments, and my grades were not reflecting the effort I was putting in. This was incredibly frustrating and disheartening.

The most challenging part was my biology class. I had always been interested in science, but this class was unlike any I had taken before. The material was complex, and I found myself spending hours trying to understand concepts that seemed to come easily to my classmates. I felt overwhelmed and began to doubt my abilities. I knew I had to find a way to overcome this challenge if I wanted to succeed.

The first step I took was to seek help. I realized that I could not do it alone, and there was no shame in asking for assistance. I reached out to my professor and explained the difficulties I was facing. She was incredibly supportive and offered me additional resources to help me grasp the material better. She also encouraged me to join a study group with some of my classmates. This was a game-changer for me. Being able to discuss the material with others and hear different perspectives helped me understand it more deeply.

I also had to develop new study habits. I started by creating a detailed schedule that outlined when I would study for each class. I made sure to allocate more time for subjects that I found challenging, like biology. I also learned the importance of taking breaks and not overwhelming myself with too much information at once. By breaking down the material into smaller, manageable parts, I was able to retain information better and feel less stressed.

Time management became crucial. I had to learn how to prioritize my tasks and make the most of my study sessions. I began using a planner to keep track of assignments and deadlines, which helped me stay organized and avoid last-minute cramming. This change in approach allowed me to be more efficient with my time and reduced the anxiety I felt about falling behind.

Moreover, I discovered the importance of self-care. In my quest to improve academically, I had initially neglected my well-being. I realized that taking care of my mental and physical health was just as important as studying. I made sure to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. These changes made a significant difference in my ability to focus and perform academically.

Through perseverance and a willingness to adapt, I was able to overcome the challenges I faced in my biology class and improve my overall academic performance. My grades began to reflect the hard work I was putting in, and I felt more confident in my abilities. This experience taught me that challenges are an inevitable part of life, but they are also opportunities for growth and learning.

Looking back, I am grateful for the difficulties I faced during my first year of college. They pushed me to develop skills that will serve me well throughout my academic and professional career. I learned the value of seeking help, the importance of effective time management, and the necessity of taking care of myself. These lessons have not only helped me succeed in my studies but have also made me a more resilient and resourceful person.

As I continue my studies at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, I carry these lessons with me. I am committed to facing any future challenges with the same determination and adaptability. I am eager to continue growing and learning, both academically and personally, and I am confident that I have the tools to do so successfully.