Navigating the journey by Devin

Navigating the journey by Devin - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Devin Coutee, and I am a rising college freshman majoring in Music. As I prepare to pursue a new chapter at American River College, I reflect on the academic challenges I have faced and how they have shaped me. One particular experience stands out, not just because it was difficult, but because it taught me the strength and the importance of asking for help.

Throughout high school, I struggled with maintaining a strong GPA. My high school GPA was 2.5, which does not exactly scream "academic excellence." For a long time, I felt like I was in a constant battle with my grades. I was passionate about music, but I found it hard to balance my time between classes, homework, and my love for maki bc music. This was especially true during my sophomore year, which was probably the toughest year for me academically.

During that year, I took a chemistry class that was particularly challenging. Science was never my strongest subject, and I found myself falling behind quickly. The concepts were difficult for me to grasp, and I was too embarrassed to ask questions in class. I remember the sinking and embarrassing feeling every time I got a test back and saw a grade that was lower than what I hoped for. It felt like no matter how hard I tried, I could not catch up.

The turning point came when I realized I could not do it alone. I had to swallow my pride and ask for help. It was not easy for me to admit that I was struggling, but I knew I had to do something different if I wanted to improve. I decided to talk to my teacher after class one day. I was nervous, but to my surprise, my teacher was incredibly understanding and supportive. He suggested that I attend tutoring sessions after school and even offered to help me during lunch breaks.

I started going to tutoring twice a week. At first, it felt like a chore, but soon I began to see the benefits. The smaller group setting made it easier for me to ask questions and get the help I needed. The tutors broke down challenging topics into simpler terms, and I began to understand the material better. Slowly but surely, my grades started to improve. It was not an overnight change, but it was progress.

In addition to tutoring, I also found that organizing my study time and attending summer school made a big difference. I created a schedule that allowed me to arrange specific times for summer school and studying chemistry, while still leaving room for music practice. This balance helped me stay focused and reduced the stress I felt about falling behind.

Through this experience, I learned that it is okay to ask for help. It does not mean you are weak or incapable, it means you are willing to do what it takes to succeed. I also learned the importance of perseverance. There were times when I felt like giving up, but pushing through those moments and having faith in myself taught me that hard work and determination can lead to improvement.

As I look forward to college, I know there will be new challenges ahead. However, I feel better prepared to face them because of what I learned in high school. I am excited to dive deeper into my passion for music, but I also know that I need to stay on top of my academics. I plan to use the skills I developed, like time management and getting support when needed, to help me learn from my studies.

This experience has also made me more empathetic towards others who may be struggling. I understand how difficult it can be to admit when you are having a hard time, and I want to be someone who encourages others to get help when they need it. I hope to be involved in study groups or peer tutoring in college, not only to help myself but to support others as well.

In conclusion, my challenging academic experience taught me important and valuable lessons about the strength to overcome embarrassment, seeking help, and balancing my passions with my responsibilities. I am grateful for the support I received from my teacher and tutors, and I am proud of the progress I made. As I enter college, I am determined to continue growing and learning, both in music and in academics. This scholarship would not only help me financially, but it would also be a acknowledgment of the hard work and determination I have put into overcoming my academic challenges. Thank you for considering my application.