“Lessons in Humility: Overcoming Challenges in a College Writing Class” by Grady

“Lessons in Humility: Overcoming Challenges in a College Writing Class” by Grady - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

A Challenging Academic Experience and How I Overcame It

As a junior in high school, I decided to challenge myself by enrolling in a college-level English course at the local community college. I had always considered myself a good writer—confident in my ability to articulate thoughts and craft essays. However, this class quickly humbled me, revealing that my skills were not as polished as I had assumed. The rigorous assignments, high expectations, and demanding pace of the course pushed me to a point where I questioned my capabilities. What began as a source of frustration became one of the most transformative academic experiences of my life, teaching me resilience, humility, and the value of seeking help.

The first few weeks of the course were a whirlwind. The syllabus alone was intimidating, filled with essays, analytical assignments, and peer-reviewed research papers. I submitted my first essay feeling confident, only to receive it back with more red ink than I had ever seen before. Comments from my professor ranged from “needs clearer analysis” to “unclear thesis,” and I realized that my high school-level writing, which had always earned me praise, was far from meeting the standards of this college-level class. It was a blow to my confidence and forced me to confront the reality that I had a lot to learn.

Initially, I felt overwhelmed. The assignments were not only frequent but required a depth of critical thinking and clarity that I wasn’t used to. I began doubting my decision to take the class altogether, but I also knew that giving up wasn’t an option. Instead, I chose to lean into the challenge and seek out the support I needed to improve.

The first step was admitting to myself that I couldn’t do this alone. I reached out to the writing center at the community college, where I met with writing tutors who helped me understand what my professor was looking for. These sessions were eye-opening; they taught me the importance of structure, coherence, and concise language in academic writing. I also realized that my essays often lacked a strong thesis, and I learned how to construct one that anchored my arguments effectively.

In addition to working with writing tutors, I began attending peer tutoring sessions at my high school. Discussing my struggles with other students who had taken similar classes reassured me that I wasn’t alone. They offered tips on managing the workload and shared their own strategies for tackling assignments. My parents also became an unexpected source of support. My mom, who has a knack for editing, would patiently read through my drafts and provide constructive feedback, while my dad encouraged me to stay disciplined and focused.

Over time, I began to see improvement. My professor’s feedback became more positive, and I noticed a shift in how I approached writing. Instead of rushing to complete an essay, I started breaking the process into manageable steps: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising. This methodical approach helped me produce stronger, more polished work. I also learned to accept constructive criticism without taking it personally, which was a significant step in my growth as a writer.

What made this experience so transformative was not just the improvement in my writing skills but the humility it instilled in me. I had always thought of myself as a “good writer,” but this class forced me to reevaluate that belief. I learned that being good at something doesn’t mean there’s no room for growth and that real improvement comes from embracing challenges and seeking help when needed. It was humbling to realize that I couldn’t rely solely on my past successes, but it was also empowering to know that I had the resources and determination to overcome my struggles.

By the end of the semester, I had not only survived the class but excelled in it. I earned a grade I was proud of, but more importantly, I gained a deeper understanding of what it means to persevere in the face of difficulty. This experience taught me that challenges are opportunities for growth and that success often requires leaning on others for support. As I move forward in my academic journey, I will carry these lessons with me, knowing that every obstacle is a chance to learn, improve, and become better than I was before.