Overcoming Challenges Through Persistence and Problem Solving by Erin

Overcoming Challenges Through Persistence and Problem Solving by Erin - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

During my sophomore year of high school, I faced one of the toughest academic challenges of my life: a math class that seemed impossible to conquer. I had always been decent at math, but this class felt like a whole new level. Concepts like quadratic functions and logarithms left me feeling confused and frustrated. After failing my first big test, I started to question if I was cut out for it at all. But instead of giving up, I decided to push myself and figure out how to succeed.

The first thing I realized was that my usual way of studying wasn’t going to cut it. Simply reviewing my notes or skimming through problems wasn’t helping me truly understand the material. So, I switched things up. I started breaking problems down into smaller steps, writing out every detail to see where I was getting stuck. I also turned to online resources—videos, practice problems, and forums—anything that explained the material in a different way. Seeing how others approached the same problems helped me piece things together and made the concepts start to click.

I also realized I couldn’t do it alone. As much as I wanted to figure it out by myself, I knew I needed help. I started going to tutoring sessions after school and asking my teacher questions whenever I could. At first, I felt embarrassed, like asking for help was admitting I wasn’t smart enough. But the more I went, the more I realized how helpful it was. My teacher explained things in ways I hadn’t thought of, and my tutor gave me tips to solve problems faster and more accurately. They didn’t just help me understand the material—they showed me that it was okay to rely on others when I needed support.

There were still times when it felt overwhelming. I would spend hours on an assignment only to make a mistake and have to start over. It was frustrating, but I refused to let it stop me. I kept telling myself that I would figure it out, no matter how long it took. If I didn’t understand something, I’d try different approaches until I got it right. For example, when graphing functions seemed impossible, I practiced over and over again, using graph paper and online tools until I finally understood. Slowly but surely, things started to fall into place.

One of the biggest lessons I learned during this challenge was the importance of not giving up. It’s easy to feel defeated when things don’t go your way, but I learned to see mistakes as opportunities to improve. Every time I got a problem wrong, I asked myself, “What can I learn from this?” That mindset made all the difference. It kept me focused on progress instead of perfection and helped me stay motivated even on the hardest days.

By the end of the year, all the effort paid off. My grades improved, and I gained a confidence I hadn’t felt before. But more importantly, I learned that I could handle challenges if I stayed persistent and used the resources around me. This experience showed me that problem-solving isn’t just about finding the right answer—it’s about finding the right approach, even if it takes a few tries.

That math class was more than just an academic hurdle. It was a turning point for me, teaching me how to approach challenges in all areas of my life. Whether it’s school, work, or personal goals, I know that if I keep trying and stay open to learning, I can overcome anything. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the struggle because it taught me to believe in myself and my ability to push through tough situations. I’ve carried those lessons with me ever since, and they’ll continue to guide me as I face new challenges in college and beyond. No matter what comes my way, I know I’ll find a way through it, just like I did that year in math.