Perseverance : A New Meaning by jada

Perseverance : A New Meaning by jada - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Growing up, I always had a strong interest in how things work. I was the kid who would take apart gadgets and try to put them back together, sometimes with extra pieces left over but always with a sense of wonder and curiosity. When i went into high school at Berkeley Carroll School, I knew I wanted to pursue engineering, and I was particularly drawn to subjects like physics and math. However, I encountered a significant challenge when I took on Physics during my junior year.

At first, I was excited to dive into Physics, eager to learn more about the principles that govern the world around us. I had always done well in my previous science classes, so I felt confident that i could crush any challenge that I faced. However, I quickly realized that Physics would be much more daunting then anticipated. The concepts were complex and incredibly foreign, and the pace of the class was much faster than I was used to. Despite my efforts, I struggled to keep up with the material, and my grades reflected that struggle.

This was a humbling experience for me. When I struggled in english and history classes it brought me comfort to know that my skills when it came to science and math were my redeeming qualities. It was difficult to accept that I was not performing as well as I wanted to. I began to doubt my abilities and questioned whether I was cut out for a future in engineering. However, I knew deep down that I could not let this setback define me. I needed to find a way to overcome this challenge.

The first step I took was to reach out for help. I realized that struggling on my own was never going to get me anywhere, so I started showing up to office hours every week . During these sessions I could gain clairity on everything that had previously stumped me. All concepts that seems to make no sense and all the questions that seemed to be impossible to answer slowly became much easier. My teacher was patient and encouraging, which helped boost my confidence.

I had a few other friends that were struggling in the class and they begged to know how I improved so drastically, so I created a study group so could so I could share my new knowledge with them as well as anyone else that was struggling. When we met we would review practice problems and almost everyone contributed and we helped each other out. This collaborative approach not only helped me understand the content better but also taught me the value of teamwork and peer support.

Another strategy I employed was to change the way I studied. Before I had just tried to solve the problems and sat there staring at my paper having no idea where to start. Now as soon as I realize that I’m stuck I look for other resources, youtube, tiktok, or educational websites These resources provided different perspectives and explanations that helped me grasp difficult concepts. I also began practicing daily, even if they were not assigned as homework. This practicing really solidify the concepts for me and made me feel like I no longer had to cram before a test.

As the year went on, I started to see improvement. My grades gradually increased, and I began to regain my old confidence as well as a new sense of pride within myself. More importantly, I developed a deeper understanding of physics and a greater appreciation for the subject. This experience taught me that perseverance and a willingness to seek help are essential when facing academic challenges.

Through this journey, I also learned a lot about myself. I discovered that I am resilient and capable of overcoming obstacles when I put my mind to it. This realization has strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in engineering as I am now more determined than ever to study electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering in college, with a particular interest in how these fields can be applied to solve real-world problems.

In conclusion, the challenging experience I faced in Physics taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, collaboration, and self-discovery. It was a pivotal moment in my academic journey, one that has prepared me for the rigors of college and everything that comes after that. I am ready to take on the challenges of the future and to make a positive impact in the field of engineering.