My challenging academic experience and how I overcame it. by Jada

My challenging academic experience and how I overcame it. by Jada - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

It is a little intimidating to sit here and write about a challenging academic experience, but I am going to be honest and share my story. My name is Jada Falconer, and I am a high school senior who dreams of studying Marine Biology or Veterinary Sciences at one of the great colleges in Florida like St. Petersburg College, University of South Florida, Florida State University, or the University of Miami. I am a young Black and White woman who has had her fair share of ups and downs with academics, but I have learned a lot along the way.

One of the biggest academic challenges I faced was during my sophomore year in high school. I was struggling with my science classes, and my GPA was not where I wanted it to be. I had a 2.5 GPA, which made me feel like I was not smart enough to pursue my dream of studying Marine Biology. I was passionate about the ocean and animals, and I knew that I wanted to work in a field where I could make a difference, but my grades were holding me back.

The challenge was not just about the grades themselves, but also about how they made me feel. I felt like I was letting myself down, and I was worried that I would not be able to get into a good college. It was hard to stay motivated when I felt like I was not good enough. I knew I had to do something to change my situation, but I was not sure where to start.

I decided to talk to my science teacher about my struggles. It was not easy to admit that I needed help, but I knew it was necessary. My teacher was understanding and offered to help me with extra tutoring sessions after school. This was the first step in overcoming my academic challenge. I started attending these sessions regularly, and it made a big difference. My teacher explained the concepts in a way that made sense to me, and I was able to ask questions without feeling embarrassed.

In addition to the tutoring sessions, I also started to change my study habits. I realized that I needed to be more organized and disciplined. I began to set aside specific times for studying and made sure to stick to my schedule. I also found that studying in a quiet place, away from distractions, helped me to focus better. I started to take better notes in class and used different study techniques, like flashcards and summarizing information in my own words, to help me retain the material.

Another important factor in overcoming this challenge was the support I received from my family and friends. They encouraged me to keep going and reminded me of my passion for marine life and animals. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to believe in myself. It was not just about improving my grades, but also about building my self-esteem and realizing that I was capable of achieving my goals.

Over time, my hard work started to pay off. My grades in science improved, and I began to feel more confident in my abilities. I learned that it was okay to ask for help and that perseverance and determination could help me overcome obstacles. This experience taught me the importance of not giving up, even when things seem difficult.

Looking back, I am grateful for the challenge I faced because it helped me grow as a student and as a person. It taught me valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of seeking support when needed. I am now more determined than ever to pursue my dream of studying Marine Biology or Veterinary Sciences. I know that I have what it takes to succeed, and I am excited about the future.

This experience has also inspired me to help others who might be facing similar challenges. I want to encourage other students to seek help when they need it and to believe in themselves. We all have the potential to achieve our dreams, and sometimes we just need a little support along the way.

In conclusion, overcoming my academic challenge was not easy, but it was a journey that taught me a lot about myself. I am proud of the progress I have made and am looking forward to the next chapter of my life in college. I am ready to tackle any challenges that come my way and am excited to continue learning and growing. Thank you for considering my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.