Academic challenges that have been overcame by Jaden

Academic challenges that have been overcame by Jaden - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

One academic challenge I faced was procrastinating on assignments. Instead of completing them when they were assigned, I would wait until the day before they were due. This habit started in high school, where I managed to get by with a 2.8 GPA. However, when I began my studies at Lincoln University, majoring in Finance, I realized that this approach was not sustainable. The workload was heavier, and the expectations were higher. I knew I had to make a change if I wanted to succeed in college.

Procrastination was not just about being lazy or disorganized. It was more about feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to start. I often felt anxious about the quality of my work and feared failure. As a result, I would put off starting assignments until the last minute, which only increased my stress and affected my grades.

To overcome procrastination, I started by setting small, achievable goals for myself. Instead of looking at an assignment as one big task, I broke it down into smaller, manageable parts. This made it easier to start and gave me a sense of accomplishment as I completed each section. I also began using a planner to organize my tasks and set deadlines for myself. This helped me stay on track and avoid the last-minute rush.

Another strategy I used was to prioritize completing assignments as soon as they were given. This shift in mindset allowed me to manage my time more effectively and reduced the anxiety I felt about deadlines. By starting early, I had more time to research, draft, and revise my work, which improved the quality of my assignments and, ultimately, my grades.

I also sought support from my professors and peers. I realized that asking for help was not a sign of weakness but a step towards improvement. I attended office hours to clarify concepts I did not understand and participated in study groups to stay motivated and engaged. This collaborative approach not only enhanced my understanding of the material but also built a supportive network that encouraged my academic growth.

Through these changes, I noticed a significant improvement in my academic performance. My grades began to rise, and I felt more confident in my abilities. The stress that had once accompanied each assignment was replaced with a sense of accomplishment and pride in my work. This experience taught me the importance of discipline, time management, and resilience.

As a rising sophomore at Lincoln University, I am committed to maintaining these habits and continuing to grow academically. My journey in overcoming procrastination has not only improved my grades but has also prepared me for the challenges I will face in my finance major. I am now better equipped to handle complex assignments and manage my time effectively, skills that are essential for success in the finance industry.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am also passionate about using my experiences to help others. I have started sharing my strategies with classmates who face similar challenges, offering advice and support to help them overcome procrastination. I believe that by working together, we can all achieve our academic goals and succeed in our chosen fields.

In conclusion, overcoming procrastination has been a significant challenge in my academic journey, but it has also been a valuable learning experience. By shifting my mindset and developing better habits, I have not only improved my grades but also gained confidence in my abilities. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hope to inspire others to overcome their own challenges. As I continue my studies at Lincoln University, I am excited to build on these experiences and pursue my passion for finance with determination and focus.