Transition by Hayden

Transition by Hayden - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I started my journey at Columbia State Community College as a freshman, I was both excited and nervous about the challenges ahead. I knew that transitioning from high school to college would require a lot more responsibility and dedication. My high school GPA was 2.9, which reflected a mix of both struggles and successes. I was determined to do better in college, especially since I wanted to eventually transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to pursue a major in Computer Science.

One of the most challenging academic experiences I faced was during my first semester at Columbia State. I enrolled in an introductory programming course, which I knew would be crucial for my major in Computer Science. I had always been interested in technology and computers, but I quickly realized that interest alone was not enough to excel in this field. The course was rigorous, with complex concepts and a fast-paced curriculum that required a strong grasp of logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In the beginning, I struggled to keep up with the coursework. The assignments were challenging, and I often found myself spending hours trying to debug code that just would not work. It was frustrating to see my efforts not yielding the results I wanted. My first few quizzes and assignments did not go as well as I had hoped, and I started to doubt my ability to succeed in this field.

However, I was determined not to let this setback define my college experience. I realized that I needed to change my approach to studying and problem-solving. First, I sought help from my professor, who was incredibly supportive and willing to provide additional guidance. I attended office hours regularly, where I could ask questions and get feedback on my work. This one-on-one interaction helped me understand the material better and gave me the confidence to tackle difficult concepts.

I also formed a study group with a few classmates who were facing similar challenges. We met several times a week to review lecture notes, work on assignments together, and prepare for exams. This collaborative environment was beneficial because it allowed us to learn from each other and share different perspectives on solving problems. It was encouraging to know that I was not alone in my struggles, and together, we could overcome them.

Additionally, I took advantage of online resources and tutorials to supplement my learning. There are countless programming communities and forums where I could ask questions and find solutions to coding issues. These resources were invaluable in helping me develop a deeper understanding of programming concepts and improve my coding skills.

As I continued to work hard and seek help when needed, I noticed a significant improvement in my performance. My grades started to reflect my efforts, and by the end of the semester, I had achieved a much higher GPA than I had in high school. My college GPA of 3.5 was a testament to my perseverance and ability to overcome academic challenges.

This experience taught me several important lessons. I learned the value of asking for help and utilizing available resources. I realized that collaboration and teamwork can be powerful tools in overcoming difficulties. Most importantly, I discovered that with dedication and a willingness to adapt, I could succeed in any academic endeavor.

Looking back, I am grateful for the challenges I faced in that programming course. They pushed me to grow and develop skills that will be essential as I continue my studies in Computer Science. I am now more confident in my abilities and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead at Middle Tennessee State University.

This experience has also inspired me to help others who may be struggling academically. I hope to become a mentor for other students who might feel overwhelmed by the demands of college. I want to share the strategies that helped me succeed and encourage them to persevere through their challenges.

In conclusion, the challenging academic experience I faced during my first semester at Columbia State Community College was a turning point in my educational journey. It taught me resilience, the importance of seeking support, and the power of collaboration. These lessons will continue to guide me as I pursue my goals in Computer Science and beyond. I am committed to working hard and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.