My most challenging academical experience by Erik

My most challenging academical experience by Erik - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Erik Aran, and I am currently a junior in high school. I am excited about the possibility of attending college and pursuing a major in finance, economics, or accounting at Washington State University, the University of Washington, or Seattle Pacific University. As I look forward to the future, I also reflect on the challenges I have faced and how they have shaped me into the person I am today.

One of the most challenging academic experiences I have faced is this year in high school. I am enrolled in an advanced math class (Ap Calculus AB), which was a step up from the regular math courses I had taken before. I have always enjoyed math, but this class was different. The concepts were more complex, and the pace was much faster than I was used to. At first, I was excited about the challenge, but as the weeks went by, I started to feel overwhelmed.

The first few tests did not go as well as I had hoped. My grades were lower than I was used to, and I began to doubt my abilities. It was frustrating because I was putting in the effort, but it was not reflecting in my results. I knew that if I did not find a way to improve, it could affect my overall GPA, which was something I cared deeply about.

I realized that I needed to change my approach to studying. Up until that point, I had been trying to tackle the material on my own, but it was clear that I needed help. I decided to reach out to my teacher and ask for guidance. This was a big step for me because I had always been a bit shy about asking for help, but I knew it was necessary if I wanted to succeed.

My teacher was incredibly supportive and suggested that I attend extra help sessions after school. I started going to these sessions regularly, and it made a huge difference. Being able to ask questions in a smaller setting and having the material explained in different ways helped me understand the concepts better. I also formed a study group with a few classmates who were in the same boat as me. We would meet up a couple of times a week to go over homework and prepare for tests together.

Another thing that helped was changing the way I studied at home. I began to break down the material into smaller, more manageable parts and focused on understanding the underlying principles rather than just memorizing formulas. I also made use of online resources, like instructional videos and practice problems, to reinforce what I was learning in class.

As I started to grasp the material better, my confidence grew. I saw improvements in my test scores, which motivated me to keep pushing forward. By the end of the semester, I had managed to bring my grade up significantly. It was incredibly rewarding to see that my hard work had paid off.

This experience taught me several important lessons. First, it showed me the value of asking for help and working collaboratively with others. I learned that it is okay not to have all the answers and that seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness. It also taught me the importance of perseverance and adapting my study habits to meet new challenges.

Looking back, I am grateful for this experience because it prepared me for future academic challenges. I know that college will bring its own set of difficulties, but I feel more equipped to handle them now. I am eager to continue learning and growing, both academically and personally, as I pursue my interests in finance, economics, and accounting.

Being a Hispanic student, I am also proud to represent diversity in the academic community. I hope to use my experiences and background to contribute positively to my future college and to inspire others who may face similar challenges. Education is a powerful tool, and I am committed to making the most of the opportunities that come my way.

In conclusion, overcoming the challenges I faced in my advanced math class was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It taught me resilience, the importance of seeking help, and the value of collaboration. These lessons will undoubtedly serve me well as I continue my education and work towards my goals. Thank you for considering my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.