You live you learn by Dylan

You live you learn by Dylan - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Dylan Trinh, and I am a high school senior with a strong passion for computer science and engineering. Throughout my academic journey, I have faced various challenges, but one particular experience stands out as both the most difficult and the most rewarding. This challenge not only tested my perseverance and problem-solving skills but also reinforced my passion for technology.

During my junior year, I decided to take on the challenge of the Orange County Engineering and Science Fair. I had always been fascinated by technology and programming, and I saw this class as an opportunity to deepen my understanding of the field. However, as the course progressed, I quickly realized that it was much more demanding than I had anticipated. The concepts were complex, and the pace was fast. I struggled to keep up with the assignments, and my grades began to suffer.

The turning point came when we were assigned a group project that required us to design and implement a complex program. Our task was to create a simulation of a real-world system, and my group chose to simulate a traffic management system. The project was daunting, and I felt overwhelmed by the scope of the work. I was not only responsible for writing a significant portion of the code but also for ensuring that our program met the requirements and functioned correctly.

At first, I felt like giving up. I was frustrated and doubted my abilities. However, I knew that giving up was not an option. I had to find a way to overcome this challenge. I started by breaking the project down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This approach allowed me to focus on one aspect of the project at a time and made the work feel less overwhelming.

I also reached out to my teacher and classmates for help. I realized that I did not have to face this challenge alone. My teacher provided valuable guidance and explained difficult concepts in a way that made them easier to understand. My classmates offered support and shared their own strategies for managing the workload. By collaborating with others, I was able to gain new insights and improve my understanding of the material.

In addition to seeking help, I dedicated extra time to studying and practicing coding outside of class. I explored online resources, such as coding tutorials and forums, to reinforce my learning. I also worked on small personal projects to apply what I had learned and build my confidence. Over time, I began to see improvement in my coding skills and my ability to tackle complex problems.

As the project deadline approached, my group and I worked tirelessly to complete our simulation. We encountered many obstacles along the way, from debugging errors to optimizing our code for performance. However, we persevered and supported each other through the challenges. In the end, we successfully completed the project and received positive feedback from our teacher.

This experience taught me the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and resourcefulness. I learned that it is okay to ask for help and that working with others can lead to better outcomes. I also discovered that breaking down a large task into smaller parts can make it more manageable and less intimidating. Most importantly, I realized that challenges are opportunities for growth and learning.

Overcoming this academic challenge strengthened my passion for computer science and engineering. It showed me that I am capable of tackling difficult problems and that I have the resilience to overcome obstacles. This experience has motivated me to pursue a degree in computer science or computer engineering at a university like UCSD, UCLA, Hamilton College, or the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am eager to continue learning and growing in the field of technology. I believe that my experience in overcoming academic challenges has prepared me well for the rigors of college and the demands of a career in computer science and engineering. I am committed to working hard and making the most of the educational opportunities that come my way.

In conclusion, the challenging academic experience I faced in my AP Computer Science class taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, collaboration, and problem-solving. It reinforced my passion for technology and motivated me to pursue my dreams of studying computer science and engineering. I am grateful for the support I received from my teachers and classmates, and I am confident that the skills and resilience I developed will serve me well in my future academic and professional endeavors.