The Struggles I Face by Guerin

The Struggles I Face by Guerin - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I think about a challenging academic experience I have faced, my mind goes back to my first semester at Weatherford College. As a first-time college student, I was both excited and nervous about the new journey ahead. I had always been passionate about education and athletics, and I was eager to dive into my majors. However, I quickly realized that college was a whole new ball game compared to high school.

In high school, I maintained a solid GPA of 3.5, but the transition to college-level coursework was more difficult than I anticipated. My first semester was filled with a mix of general education courses and introductory classes for my majors in education and athletics. The workload was heavy, and I found myself struggling to keep up with the pace. The most challenging class for me was an introductory course in kinesiology, which was essential for my athletic-related major.

The course was intense, with a lot of new terminology and concepts that I had never encountered before. I remember sitting in the lecture hall, feeling overwhelmed as the professor went through slides filled with complex diagrams of the human body and its functions. I had always been interested in sports and physical education, but this was the first time I had to engage with the scientific side of athletics in such depth.

At first, I tried to tackle the challenge by spending more hours studying, but I quickly realized that simply putting in more time was not enough. I needed a new approach to understand and retain the material better. I decided to seek help, which was not easy for me. I have always been the kind of person who prefers to figure things out on my own, but I knew I had to change my mindset to succeed.

I started by attending office hours with my professor. This was a game-changer because it allowed me to ask questions in a one-on-one setting and get explanations tailored to my understanding. My professor was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to engage with the material actively rather than passively absorbing it. He suggested that I form a study group with classmates, which turned out to be another key step in overcoming the challenge.

Joining a study group was beneficial because it provided a space where we could share insights and help each other with difficult concepts. We met twice a week, and these sessions became a vital part of my learning process. Explaining concepts to my peers helped solidify my understanding, and hearing their perspectives opened up new ways of thinking about the material. It was a collaborative effort that made a significant difference in my academic performance.

In addition to seeking help from my professor and peers, I also took advantage of the resources available at Weatherford College. I attended workshops on study skills and time management, which taught me how to prioritize tasks and manage my schedule more effectively. These skills were not only helpful for my kinesiology class but also for balancing my entire course load.

As the semester went on, I noticed a gradual improvement in my understanding and grades. I went from feeling overwhelmed and anxious to confident and engaged. By the end of the semester, I had not only passed my kinesiology class but developed a deeper appreciation for the subject. This experience taught me the importance of seeking help, collaborating with others, and using available resources to overcome academic challenges.

Reflecting on this experience, I am grateful for the lessons I learned. It was a challenging time, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a student and individual. I realized that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, and that working with others can lead to greater success than trying to go it alone.

This experience has also reinforced my passion for education, both as a student and as a future educator. I understand firsthand the struggles students face and the impact that supportive educators and peers can have on their success. As I continue my journey at Weatherford College, I am more committed than ever to my studies and to becoming a teacher who can inspire and support students in their own academic journeys.

In conclusion, overcoming the challenge of my first semester in college taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, collaboration, and the importance of seeking support. These lessons will stay with me as I pursue my goals and work towards a career in education and athletics.