Challenges Of First Gen College Student by Dior

Challenges Of First Gen College Student by Dior - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Dior Wilson, and I am a freshman at Temple University, majoring in Computer Science. As a first-time college student, I have experienced a variety of challenges, but one academic experience stands out as particularly difficult. It taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and determination.

During my first semester, I enrolled in an introductory programming course. I was excited because programming has always fascinated me. However, as the semester progressed, I realized that the course was much more challenging than I had anticipated. The concepts were complex, and the pace was fast. I found myself struggling to keep up with the assignments and lectures. It was overwhelming, and I began to doubt my abilities.

The turning point came when we were assigned a project that required us to create a functional program from scratch. I felt lost and unsure of where to start. My initial attempts were filled with errors, and I spent hours debugging without making much progress. It was disheartening to see my peers advancing while I was stuck. I felt like I was falling behind, and my confidence took a hit.

Despite the frustration, I knew I could not give up. I needed to find a way to overcome this challenge. I decided to seek help and use the resources available to me. I started attending office hours regularly, where I could ask my professor questions and get clarification on the topics I was struggling with. This was incredibly helpful because it gave me a chance to understand the material in a more personalized setting.

In addition to office hours, I joined a study group with some classmates. Working with others allowed me to see different perspectives and approaches to solving problems. We would meet weekly to discuss assignments, share tips, and support each other. This collaborative environment made a significant difference in my understanding of the course material.

I also took advantage of online resources, such as coding forums and tutorials, to supplement my learning. These resources provided me with additional explanations and examples that helped reinforce the concepts I was learning in class. I realized that there are many ways to learn, and sometimes it takes exploring different methods to find what works best for me.

As I dedicated more time to practicing and understanding the material, I began to see improvement. The project that once seemed impossible slowly started to come together. Each small victory, like fixing a bug or successfully implementing a feature, boosted my confidence and motivated me to keep going.

By the end of the semester, I had completed the project and gained a deeper understanding of programming. More importantly, I learned that facing challenges head-on and seeking help when needed are crucial skills in overcoming obstacles. This experience taught me that perseverance and hard work can lead to success, even when the path is not easy.

Reflecting on this experience, I am grateful for the support I received from my professor, classmates, and online communities. It showed me the importance of building a network and not being afraid to ask for help. I also learned to be patient with myself and to celebrate progress, no matter how small.

This challenging academic experience has prepared me for future obstacles I may encounter in my studies and career. It has strengthened my problem-solving skills and resilience, qualities that are essential in the field of computer science. I am now more confident in my ability to tackle difficult tasks and continue to grow as a student.

In conclusion, the challenges I faced in my introductory programming course taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, collaboration, and resourcefulness. Overcoming these challenges has made me a stronger student and has reinforced my passion for computer science. I am excited to continue my journey at Temple University, knowing that I have the skills and determination to succeed.