Scholarship Essay by Grace

Scholarship Essay by Grace - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I first started college at Franciscan University of Steubenville, I was excited and a little nervous about the new challenges ahead. I had always done well in high school, finishing with a 3.7 GPA, but I knew college would be different. I was eager to dive into my majors in Primary and Special Education, but I did not expect that my first big academic challenge would come so soon.

During my first semester, I enrolled in an introductory education course that was supposed to lay the foundation for my future studies. I was excited because teaching is my passion, and I could not wait to learn everything I could about how to become a great teacher. However, as the weeks went by, I found myself struggling to keep up with the coursework. The lectures were dense with information, and the assignments required a level of critical thinking and analysis that I was not used to.

The turning point came when I received a grade on my first major paper that was much lower than I had anticipated. I felt disappointed and a bit defeated. I had put a lot of effort into the paper, but it was clear that my approach needed improvement. I realized that I had to change my study habits and find a way to better understand the material.

The first step I took was to reach out to my professor. It was intimidating at first because I did not want to admit that I was struggling, but I knew it was necessary. During office hours, my professor was incredibly supportive and helped me see where I had gone wrong. She explained the importance of connecting theory to practice, something I had not fully grasped. This meeting was eye-opening and gave me a clearer direction on how to approach my studies.

Next, I decided to form a study group with a few classmates who were also finding the course challenging. We met weekly to discuss the readings, share notes, and quiz each other on key concepts. This collaborative environment helped me see different perspectives and allowed us to support each other. It was comforting to know I was not alone in my struggles, and together, we could tackle the difficult material.

I also adjusted my study techniques. In high school, I could often get by with last-minute cramming, but I quickly learned that this would not work in college. I began to set aside dedicated time each day to review my notes and read ahead. I used active reading strategies, like highlighting and summarizing, to better retain information. I also started attending workshops offered by the university’s academic support center, which taught me skills like time management and effective note-taking.

Another key factor in overcoming this challenge was learning to manage my time more effectively. Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments was not easy, but I knew it was crucial. I started using a planner to map out my weeks, setting specific goals for each day. This helped me stay organized and ensured I was making consistent progress in all my classes.

As the semester progressed, I began to see improvements. My grades slowly started to rise, and I gained more confidence in my abilities. By the end of the semester, I was proud to have maintained a 3.7 GPA, the same as my high school GPA. More importantly, I had developed skills and strategies that I knew would serve me well throughout my college career.

This challenging experience taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of seeking help when needed. It also reinforced my passion for teaching. I realized that the struggles I faced were similar to those my future students might encounter, and this has motivated me to become a more empathetic and resourceful educator.

In conclusion, the academic challenge I faced during my first semester at Franciscan University of Steubenville was a pivotal moment in my college journey. It forced me to adapt, seek support, and develop new strategies for success. Overcoming this challenge has made me a stronger student and has prepared me for future obstacles. I am grateful for the lessons I learned and am excited to continue my studies in Teaching and Education, knowing that I have the tools to succeed.