overcoming by Haniya

overcoming by Haniya - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Haniya Kidd, and I am currently a freshman at Ball State University, majoring in Childcare and Education. As a student deeply passionate about working with children and helping them learn, I have always been eager to embrace the challenges that come with my chosen field. One of the most significant academic challenges I have faced so far happened during my freshman year, and it taught me a lot about perseverance and adaptability.

When I first started college, I was excited but also a bit anxious about the transition from high school to university life. I knew that I wanted to focus on Childcare and Education, but I was not entirely sure what to expect from my courses. The workload was heavier than I anticipated, and I quickly found myself struggling to keep up, especially in one of my core education classes.

The class was called "Foundations of Education," and it was designed to introduce us to the essential theories and practices that would form the basis of our teaching careers. The content was fascinating, but the pace was intense, and the expectations were high. I found myself spending hours reading and re-reading the material, trying to grasp complex educational theories and philosophies. Despite my efforts, my grades were not reflecting the hard work I was putting in, and I began to feel discouraged.

The turning point came when we were assigned a major project that required us to develop a comprehensive lesson plan, incorporating various educational theories we had studied. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the task, unsure of how to start or what was expected of me. I realized that I needed to change my approach if I wanted to succeed.

First, I reached out to my professor for guidance. This was a big step for me because I had always been a bit shy about asking for help. However, my professor was incredibly supportive and provided me with valuable feedback and resources to help me understand the material better. She encouraged me to think critically about how the theories could be applied in real classroom settings, which helped me see the relevance of what we were learning.

Next, I formed a study group with a few classmates. This was another challenge for me, as I was used to studying alone. However, working with others allowed me to gain different perspectives and insights. We would meet regularly to discuss the readings, share our ideas, and critique each other's work. This collaborative environment was instrumental in helping me deepen my understanding of the course content.

I also began to organize my time more effectively. I created a detailed study schedule that allocated specific time slots for reading, writing, and group study sessions. This structure helped me manage my workload more efficiently and reduced my stress levels.

As I worked on the lesson plan project, I started to feel more confident in my abilities. I chose to focus on a topic I was passionate about—early childhood literacy—and incorporated interactive and engaging methods that I believed would resonate with young learners. By connecting the theories to practical applications, I found the project more enjoyable and meaningful.

When I finally submitted my lesson plan, I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had not experienced before. My hard work paid off, and I received positive feedback from my professor, who noted the creativity and thoughtfulness of my approach. This experience taught me that challenges are opportunities for growth, and that seeking help, collaborating with others, and staying organized are key strategies for overcoming academic difficulties.

Looking back, I am grateful for the challenge I faced in my freshman year. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me valuable skills that I continue to use in my studies. As I move forward in my academic journey, I am more confident in my ability to tackle difficult tasks and more determined to pursue my passion for education.

I believe that overcoming this challenge has prepared me to be a better educator in the future. I have learned the importance of resilience and adaptability, qualities that are essential for anyone working in the field of education. I am excited to continue learning and growing, and I am committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the children I will one day teach.