Consistency yields results by Heaven

Consistency yields results by Heaven - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Heaven DosReis-Rousseau, and I am a freshman at St John's University, majoring in Psychology. As a first-time college student, I was both excited and nervous about the new challenges ahead. One particular academic experience during my first semester tested my resilience and determination, and overcoming it taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and self-belief.

It all started with my Introduction to Psychology course, a class I was particularly excited about since it was directly related to my major. I had always been fascinated by how the mind works and was eager to dive into the subject. However, as the weeks went by, I found myself struggling to keep up with the pace of the class. The lectures were dense with information, and the amount of reading required was overwhelming. I quickly realized that my high school study habits were not going to cut it in college.

The first major challenge came with the midterm exam. I spent countless hours preparing, reviewing notes, and reading the textbook, but when the results came back, I was devastated. I had scored much lower than I expected, and it was a huge blow to my confidence. For the first time, I questioned whether I was cut out for college-level work, especially in a field I was so passionate about.

Feeling discouraged, I knew I had to make a change if I wanted to succeed. I started by reaching out to my professor during office hours. I was nervous about admitting my struggles, but she was incredibly supportive and offered practical advice on how to improve my study techniques. She suggested breaking down the reading material into smaller, more manageable sections and focusing on understanding the key concepts rather than trying to memorize everything.

I also joined a study group with some classmates. This was a game-changer for me. Discussing the material with others helped solidify my understanding, and hearing different perspectives made the subject more engaging. We would quiz each other, share notes, and explain concepts we found challenging. This collaborative approach made studying less daunting and more enjoyable.

In addition to these changes, I began utilizing campus resources like the tutoring center. The tutors were patient and helped me work through difficult topics at my own pace. They also introduced me to new study strategies, such as active recall and spaced repetition, which proved to be incredibly effective.

Another key factor in overcoming this challenge was learning to manage my time better. I started using a planner to organize my schedule, setting aside specific times for studying, attending tutoring sessions, and participating in study groups. This structure helped me stay on top of my workload and reduced the stress of last-minute cramming.

Gradually, my efforts began to pay off. I noticed improvements in my understanding of the material and my performance on quizzes and assignments. By the time the final exam came around, I felt much more prepared and confident. The hard work and new strategies I had implemented resulted in a significant improvement in my grade, and I finished the course with a sense of accomplishment and renewed confidence in my abilities.

This challenging academic experience taught me that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to learn and grow. I learned the importance of seeking help and utilizing available resources, as well as the power of collaboration and effective time management. These lessons have not only helped me in my psychology studies but have also equipped me with skills that are applicable across all areas of my life.

As I continue my journey at St John's University, I am motivated to tackle future challenges with the same determination and openness to learning. I am passionate about understanding the complexities of human behavior and hope to use my education to make a positive impact in the field of psychology. This experience has shown me that with perseverance and the right support, I can overcome obstacles and achieve my goals.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and am hopeful that it resonates with others who may be facing similar challenges. Thank you for considering my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.