Overcome by jaela

Overcome by jaela - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I started college, I was filled with excitement and a bit of nervousness about the journey ahead. Studying Health Science while being a part of the cheerleading team and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) kept me on my toes. As a Black woman balancing these commitments, I knew challenges were inevitable, but I was ready to face them head-on. One of the most challenging academic experiences I encountered was during my sophomore year when I had to juggle a demanding course load with my extracurricular activities and a personal crisis.

During this time, I was enrolled in several challenging courses, including Anatomy and Physiology, which required a lot of focus and dedication. On top of that, I had cheerleading practices and responsibilities with the NCNW, which were equally important to me. These commitments were not only time-consuming but also required a lot of mental and physical energy. I was determined to excel in all areas, but life threw me a curveball when my grandmother, who I was very close to, fell seriously ill. This was a devastating blow to my family and me, and I found myself struggling to concentrate on my schoolwork while worrying about her health.

The stress of this situation began to take a toll on my academic performance. I started missing deadlines and found it challenging to keep up with the pace of my classes. I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to manage everything. It was a tough time, and I knew I needed to find a way to overcome this challenge if I wanted to succeed in my studies and commitments.

The first step I took was to seek support from my professors. I reached out and explained my situation, and I was grateful for their understanding and support. They offered me extensions on assignments and provided additional resources to help me catch up. This taught me the importance of communication and asking for help when needed.

I also turned to my academic advisor for guidance. Together, we created a plan to manage my workload more effectively. We prioritized my assignments and developed a schedule that allowed me to focus on one task at a time. This approach helped me regain control over my studies and reduced the feeling of being overwhelmed.

In addition to seeking support from my professors and advisor, I leaned on my teammates and friends in the NCNW. They provided me with emotional support and encouragement, reminding me that I was not alone in this journey. Having a strong support system made a significant difference in helping me stay motivated and focused.

To cope with the stress, I incorporated self-care practices into my routine. I started meditating and taking short walks to clear my mind. These small breaks helped me recharge and return to my studies with renewed energy. I also made sure to get enough sleep and eat well, understanding that taking care of my physical health was crucial to maintaining my mental well-being.

As I navigated this challenging period, I learned valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance. I realized that setbacks are a part of life, but they do not define who we are. It is how we respond to these challenges that truly matters. I discovered strengths within myself that I did not know I had, and this experience reinforced my commitment to my academic and career goals.

By the end of the semester, I managed to pull through with grades that I was proud of. This experience taught me that I am capable of overcoming obstacles, no matter how daunting they may seem. It also deepened my passion for Health Science, as I saw firsthand the importance of mental health and the impact of support systems during difficult times.

Looking back, I am grateful for the challenges I faced because they helped me grow both personally and academically. They prepared me for future challenges and strengthened my resolve to make a positive impact in the world through my studies and extracurricular activities. Thank you for considering my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.