A Glaring Wake Up Call by Faith

A Glaring Wake Up Call by Faith - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

I ambitiously enrolled in AP Physics 1 during my freshman year of high school. Coming off a hybrid learning experience during COVID, I lacked the work ethic and discipline needed for such a challenging course. Initially, I underestimated the rigor of the subject, often spending lectures distracted on my phone and leaving problem sets incomplete. I believed I could rely on natural ability, as I had before.

The turning point came after my first test. I walked in confidently with little preparation, assuming the material was “just common sense.” When the results came back, I was devastated to see a glaring red C. Tears welled up in my eyes as I faced the reality that my old habits would no longer suffice. It was a humbling moment but also a much-needed wake-up call.

That grade forced me to reevaluate my approach to learning. I began by seeking help from my teacher, who became an invaluable mentor. Lunchtimes that I previously spent scrolling on my phone turned into focused study sessions in her classroom. She guided me through difficult concepts and taught me how to break down complex problems into manageable parts. Over time, I developed a consistent work ethic and started to see improvement—not only in my grades but in my confidence and resilience.

Rather than dropping the class, I embraced it as a challenge. This experience taught me that success requires effort and that setbacks are opportunities for growth. It also instilled a sense of accountability that extended beyond academics. I began organizing my time better, joining new clubs, and pursuing challenges with a renewed sense of purpose. That early struggle in AP Physics became the foundation for a more determined and disciplined version of myself.