Essay by Genevieve

Essay by Genevieve - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I started my journey at the University of Minnesota as a civil engineering major, I was filled with excitement and a bit of nervousness. I knew that the path I had chosen was not going to be easy, but I was ready to tackle whatever challenges came my way. However, I did not anticipate just how demanding the coursework would be, especially during my sophomore year. One class in particular, Statics, proved to be a significant hurdle that tested my perseverance and determination.

Statics is a fundamental course for civil engineering students, as it lays the groundwork for understanding how forces affect structures. I knew it was important, but I struggled to grasp the concepts. The lectures were fast-paced, and I often found myself lost in a sea of equations and diagrams. My first exam came back with a grade that was much lower than I had hoped for, and I realized I needed to change my approach if I wanted to succeed.

The first step I took was to seek help. I reached out to my professor during office hours, something I had been hesitant to do before. I was nervous about admitting that I was struggling, but I found that my professor was more than willing to help. He explained concepts in a way that made more sense to me and provided additional resources that I could use to study. This experience taught me the importance of asking for help and using the resources available to me.

In addition to seeking help from my professor, I also formed a study group with a few classmates. We met regularly to go over homework problems and prepare for exams. This was incredibly beneficial because it allowed me to see different perspectives and approaches to solving problems. Explaining concepts to others also reinforced my own understanding. The camaraderie and support from my peers made a huge difference and motivated me to keep pushing forward.

Another important change I made was to improve my study habits. In high school, I could get by with minimal studying, but I quickly learned that college required a different level of dedication. I started by setting aside specific times each day to review my notes and work on practice problems. I also made sure to eliminate distractions during these study sessions, which helped me focus better and retain information more effectively. By creating a structured study schedule, I was able to manage my time more efficiently and reduce the stress I felt from falling behind.

As the semester progressed, I began to see improvements. My grades on assignments and exams started to rise, and I felt more confident in my abilities. It was a gradual process, but each small victory built my confidence and reinforced the idea that hard work and persistence pay off. By the end of the semester, I had managed to raise my grade in Statics to a level I was proud of, and I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had not experienced before.

This challenging academic experience taught me several valuable lessons. I learned the importance of perseverance and not giving up when things get tough. I also realized the value of seeking help and collaborating with others. Most importantly, I understood that success is not just about natural ability, but about the effort and determination you put into achieving your goals.

Although my GPA is not as high as I would like it to be, I am proud of the progress I have made and the skills I have developed along the way. I know that I have the potential to improve, and I am committed to continuing to work hard and overcome any obstacles that come my way. This experience has strengthened my resolve to become a civil engineer and contribute to building a better future.

In conclusion, facing challenges is an inevitable part of any academic journey, but it is how we respond to those challenges that defines us. My experience with Statics taught me resilience, the importance of seeking support, and the power of consistent effort. These lessons will stay with me throughout my college career and beyond, as I continue to pursue my passion for civil engineering. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn from this experience, and I am excited to see where my journey will take me next.