Perseverance through academics by Daylen

Perseverance through academics by Daylen - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I think about a challenging academic experience I have faced, my mind goes back to my junior year of high school. It was a time when everything seemed to pile up at once, and I found myself struggling to keep my head above water. My GPA was a solid 3.1, which I was proud of, but I knew I could do better if I could just get through this rough patch.

The challenge began with my math class. Math had always been a bit of a struggle for me, but that year it seemed especially hard. We were diving into algebra and trigonometry, and I just could not seem to grasp the concepts as quickly as my classmates. Every time I thought I understood something, a new topic would be introduced, and I would feel lost all over again. My grades started slipping, and I began to worry about how this would affect my plans for college, especially since I was interested in majors like Accounting and Finance, which require strong math skills.

At the same time, I was involved in a few extracurricular activities, including the school’s business club. I knew these activities were important for my college applications, but they were also taking up a lot of my time. Balancing schoolwork with club meetings and events was becoming increasingly difficult. I felt overwhelmed and stressed, and I did not know how to manage everything effectively.

To overcome this challenge, I realized I needed to take a step back and come up with a plan. The first thing I did was talk to my math teacher. I explained my struggles and asked for help. She was understanding and offered to meet with me after school for extra tutoring sessions. This was a game-changer for me. Having one-on-one time with her allowed me to ask questions and work through problems at my own pace. Slowly but surely, I started to understand the material better.

In addition to the extra help from my teacher, I also started using online resources. Websites like Khan Academy became my best friend. I would spend time watching videos and practicing problems until I felt more confident in my abilities. It was not easy, and it required a lot of discipline, but I was determined to improve my grades.

Managing my time better was another key part of overcoming this challenge. I began using a planner to organize my schedule. I made sure to set aside specific times for studying, attending tutoring sessions, and participating in my extracurricular activities. This helped me prioritize my tasks and make the most of my time. I also learned to say no to additional commitments that I knew would stretch me too thin.

Through this process, I discovered the importance of asking for help and using the resources available to me. I learned that it is okay to admit when you are struggling and to seek support from teachers, friends, and family. I also realized that perseverance and hard work can lead to improvement, even when things seem impossible.

By the end of the school year, my math grades had improved significantly. I was not at the top of the class, but I was proud of the progress I had made. More importantly, I had gained valuable skills in time management and problem-solving that I knew would benefit me in the future, especially as I pursued my interest in business-related fields at college.

This experience taught me that challenges are opportunities for growth. It showed me that with determination and the right support, I can overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. As I look forward to attending college, I am excited to apply these lessons to my studies in Accounting, Finance, or another business-related major. I know that the road ahead will not always be easy, but I am ready to face whatever challenges come my way.

In conclusion, my junior year taught me more than just math. It taught me resilience, the value of seeking help, and the importance of managing my time effectively. These lessons have prepared me for the next step in my academic journey, and I am eager to continue learning and growing in college. I am grateful for the support I received and the opportunity to turn a challenging experience into a positive one.