by Emiliano

by Emiliano - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Emiliano Estrada Jr, and I am a junior at Lyndon B Johnson High School. I am excited about the opportunities that college will bring and am particularly interested in studying Management, Business Administration, or Economics. However, getting here has not always been easy, and I want to share a challenging academic experience that taught me a lot about perseverance and growth.

During my sophomore year, I faced one of the toughest academic challenges yet. It was in my Algebra II class, a subject that had always been a bit tricky for me. Math does not come naturally to me, and I often have to put in extra effort to keep up. That year, however, things were different. The concepts were more complex, and I found myself struggling to understand them. It was frustrating because no matter how much I tried, I felt like I was not making any progress.

The first few tests did not go well, and my grades reflected my struggle. I remember feeling overwhelmed and worried about how this would affect my overall GPA, which is important for getting into a good college like Texas A&M University or the University of Texas Austin. I knew I had to do something about it, but I was not sure where to start.

The turning point came when I realized that I needed to change my approach. I could not keep doing the same thing and expect different results. So, I decided to seek help. I reached out to my teacher and explained my difficulties. She was very understanding and suggested that I attend after-school tutoring sessions. At first, I was hesitant because I had never done tutoring before, but I knew I had nothing to lose.

Attending tutoring sessions was a game-changer. The smaller group setting allowed me to ask questions freely and get the help I needed. The tutor broke down the concepts in a way that made them easier to understand, and I started to see the connections I had been missing. I also learned the importance of practice. The more I practiced, the more confident I became in my abilities.

Another strategy that helped was forming a study group with a few classmates. We would meet a couple of times a week to go over homework and prepare for upcoming tests. Explaining the material to each other and working through problems together made a big difference. It was reassuring to know that I was not alone in my struggles, and we all supported each other.

Over time, my hard work started to pay off. My grades improved, and I gained a better understanding of the material. More importantly, I learned a valuable lesson about perseverance and the importance of seeking help when needed. I realized that it is okay to ask for assistance and that doing so is a strength, not a weakness.

This experience taught me that challenges are opportunities for growth. It has prepared me for future academic hurdles and has given me the confidence to tackle them head-on. I am now more determined than ever to pursue my goals in business and education, knowing that I have the resilience to overcome obstacles.

As I look forward to college, I am excited about the chance to further develop my skills and knowledge. I am particularly interested in programs that offer hands-on learning opportunities and the chance to work closely with others, whether it is in business management or hospitality. I am eager to contribute to my community and make a positive impact, just as I have learned to make a difference in my own academic journey.

In conclusion, my experience with Algebra II taught me that facing challenges is an essential part of learning and growing. It showed me the value of perseverance, collaboration, and the willingness to seek help. These lessons will undoubtedly serve me well as I continue my education and work towards my career goals. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hope to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges. Thank you for considering my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.