We’re Not In Kansas Anymore by Hadley

We’re Not In Kansas Anymore by Hadley - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Hadley Johnson, and I am currently a rising sophomore at Utah Valley University, majoring in Pre-Nursing. Throughout my academic journey, I have faced various challenges, but one experience during my freshman year truly tested my perseverance and determination.

The transition from high school to college was a big shift for me. In high school, I maintained a 3.97 GPA, and I was used to a structured environment with direct support from my teachers. However, college was a different ball game. The classes were larger, the professors were less accessible, and the expectation was for students to be more independent. This was particularly true in my biology class, which was a core requirement for my pre-nursing major.

Biology had always fascinated me, but the college-level course was much more rigorous than I anticipated. The pace was fast, and the volume of information was overwhelming. During the first few weeks, I struggled to keep up with the lectures and the extensive reading assignments. I found myself spending long hours studying, yet I was not seeing the results I hoped for in my quizzes and exams. It was a wake-up call that my high school study habits were not enough.

The turning point came after I received a disappointing grade on my first major exam. I realized I needed to change my approach if I wanted to succeed in this course. I started by seeking help. I visited my professor during office hours, which was intimidating at first, but I found that she was supportive and willing to help clarify difficult concepts. She also gave me advice on how to approach studying for her exams.

Additionally, I joined a study group with some classmates. This was one of the best decisions I made. Studying with peers allowed me to see different perspectives on the material, and teaching each other reinforced our understanding. We would quiz each other, discuss lecture notes, and break down complex topics together. The sense of camaraderie and shared goal of doing well in the class was motivating.

I also improved my time management skills. I created a study schedule that broke down the material into manageable sections, allowing me to review a little each day rather than cramming before exams. This consistent approach helped me retain information better and reduced my stress levels. I learned to prioritize my tasks and set specific goals for each study session.

Moreover, I made use of additional resources available to me, such as online tutorials and the university's tutoring center. These resources provided different explanations and examples that often made difficult concepts more understandable. I realized that utilizing all available resources was key to overcoming academic challenges.

Through these efforts, I slowly started to see improvement. My quiz scores went up, and I felt more confident during lectures and discussions. By the end of the semester, I had significantly improved my grade in biology. More importantly, I had developed a set of study skills and strategies that I knew I could apply to future courses.

This challenging experience taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability. I learned that it is okay to ask for help and that collaboration can be a powerful tool in overcoming obstacles. I also discovered the importance of being proactive in my learning and not being afraid to change strategies when something is not working.

As I continue my journey in the pre-nursing program, I carry these lessons with me. The field of nursing requires not only academic knowledge but also the ability to adapt and solve problems. I believe that overcoming the challenges I faced in my biology class has better prepared me for the demands of my future career. I am committed to continuing to work hard, seek help when needed, and support my peers in our shared goal of becoming healthcare professionals.

In conclusion, while the transition to college and the challenge of my biology class were difficult, they were also opportunities for growth. I am grateful for the experience because it taught me valuable skills and reinforced my determination to succeed in my academic and career goals. I am excited to continue my studies and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.