Overcoming Academic Obstacles by Gracelynn

Overcoming Academic Obstacles by Gracelynn - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Gracelynn Feagin, and I am a rising high school senior with a passion for psychology and counseling. Throughout my academic journey, I have faced various challenges that have shaped who I am today, but one experience stands out as particularly transformative.

During my sophomore year, I enrolled in an advanced psychology class that I was incredibly excited about. I had always been fascinated by the human mind and how people interact with each other, so this class seemed like the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the subject. However, I quickly realized that the course was more demanding than I had anticipated. The material was complex, and the workload was heavy. I found myself struggling to keep up with the pace of the lectures and the depth of the assignments.

The first few weeks were overwhelming. I was used to doing well in my classes, and suddenly I was facing concepts that seemed beyond my grasp. I remember receiving my first test score, which was much lower than I had expected. It was a wake-up call that I needed to change my approach if I wanted to succeed.

I began by reaching out for help. I scheduled a meeting with my teacher to discuss my difficulties and ask for guidance. She was incredibly supportive and suggested some strategies to help me better understand the material. She encouraged me to form a study group with classmates, which turned out to be a game-changer. Working with peers allowed me to see different perspectives and explanations that made the concepts clearer.

Additionally, I started dedicating more time to reviewing my notes and reading additional resources outside of class. I discovered various online platforms and textbooks that provided different explanations of the topics we were covering. This extra effort helped reinforce my understanding and gave me the confidence to participate more actively in class discussions.

Another significant step was improving my time management skills. Balancing this challenging class with my other responsibilities required a more structured approach. I began using a planner to organize my tasks and set specific goals for each study session. By breaking down the workload into manageable chunks, I was able to avoid the stress of last-minute cramming and felt more prepared for exams and assignments.

Throughout this process, I learned the importance of resilience and adaptability. There were moments when I felt discouraged, but I reminded myself of my passion for psychology and my long-term goal of pursuing a career in counseling. This motivation kept me going, even when the challenges seemed daunting.

Over time, my efforts started to pay off. My grades improved, and I gained a deeper understanding of the subject matter. More importantly, I developed skills that would serve me well beyond this class. I learned how to seek help when needed, collaborate effectively with others, and manage my time efficiently. These are skills I know will be invaluable as I continue my education and eventually enter the field of psychology and counseling.

Reflecting on this experience, I realize that overcoming academic challenges is not just about achieving a good grade. It is about the growth and learning that occur along the way. This class taught me to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and develop resilience. It showed me that with determination and the right support, I can overcome obstacles and achieve my goals.

As I prepare to enter college, I carry with me the lessons learned from this challenging academic experience. I am excited to continue exploring the field of psychology and counseling, knowing that I have the skills and perseverance to tackle whatever comes my way. This experience has reinforced my commitment to helping others understand themselves and their relationships, and I am eager to contribute to the field in meaningful ways.

In conclusion, facing a challenging academic experience taught me much more than just the subject matter. It taught me about perseverance, the importance of seeking help, and the value of collaboration. These lessons have prepared me for future challenges and have strengthened my resolve to pursue a career where I can make a difference in people's lives.