My Challenging Academic Experience by Hunter

My Challenging Academic Experience by Hunter - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

As a freshman at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, majoring in Hospitality, I have already encountered my fair share of challenges. One academic experience that stands out as particularly challenging was my first semester's Introduction to Hospitality course. While I was excited to dive into my major, the reality of balancing coursework with adjusting to college life was more difficult than I had anticipated.

Coming from a diverse background, being Asian, Pacific Islander, and White, I have always been taught the importance of education and hard work. However, the transition from high school to college was a significant shift. In high school, I was used to a structured environment where teachers closely monitored our progress. In college, I found myself in a much larger class with less direct oversight, and I had to learn to manage my time effectively on my own.

The Introduction to Hospitality course was not just about learning the fundamentals of the industry; it was about understanding the broader implications of hospitality in a global context. The course required a lot of reading, group projects, and presentations, which were all new to me at this level. I quickly realized that my usual study habits were not sufficient. I struggled to keep up with the workload, and my initial grades reflected this.

I knew I had to change my approach if I wanted to succeed. The first step I took was to seek help. I reached out to my professor during office hours, which was intimidating at first, but it turned out to be incredibly beneficial. My professor was understanding and offered guidance on how to approach the material more effectively. He suggested breaking down the reading assignments into manageable sections and focusing on key concepts rather than trying to memorize everything.

Additionally, I joined a study group with some classmates. This was a game-changer for me. Being able to discuss the material with peers helped solidify my understanding and provided different perspectives on the topics we were studying. It also made studying more enjoyable and less isolating.

Time management was another area I had to improve. I started using a planner to organize my schedule, allocating specific times for studying, attending classes, and participating in extracurricular activities. This structure helped me balance my academic responsibilities with the social aspects of college life.

One of the most significant challenges was a group project that required us to design a hospitality business model. Our group had diverse ideas, and it was initially difficult to agree on a concept. I learned the importance of communication and compromise. By actively listening to my group members and finding common ground, we were able to develop a cohesive plan. This experience taught me valuable teamwork skills that are essential in the hospitality industry.

Through these efforts, I gradually improved my performance in the course. By the end of the semester, I had not only earned a good grade but also gained confidence in my ability to handle college-level work. My GPA of 3.8 reflects the dedication and persistence I applied to overcome this challenge.

This experience taught me several important lessons. First, it reinforced the value of seeking help and utilizing available resources. Whether it is a professor, a study group, or academic support services, there is always support available if you are willing to ask for it. Second, it highlighted the importance of time management and organization in balancing multiple responsibilities. Finally, it emphasized the power of collaboration and effective communication in achieving common goals.

As I continue my studies in Hospitality at UNLV, I am grateful for this challenging experience. It pushed me to grow academically and personally, and it equipped me with skills that will be valuable throughout my college career and beyond. I am committed to applying these lessons to future challenges and to making the most of my education.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming the challenges of my Introduction to Hospitality course was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community, all of which are essential qualities in both my academic and future professional life. I am excited to continue learning and growing, and I am confident that I can tackle any challenges that come my way.