Jaina Earhart by Jaina

Jaina Earhart by Jaina - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I first started college as a marketing major, I was excited about all the new things I would learn and the opportunities ahead. However, I quickly found myself struggling with a course that I thought would be straightforward: Introduction to Statistics. Numbers and data have never been my strong suit, and I soon realized that understanding statistics was going to be a bigger challenge than I had anticipated.

In high school, I managed to maintain a decent GPA of 3.2, but math classes were always my toughest. I hoped that college would be different, but as the semester went on, I found myself falling behind. The lectures were fast-paced, and I often left class feeling more confused than when I arrived. The first exam was a wake-up call; I did not do well, and it was clear that I needed to change my approach if I wanted to pass the class.

I knew I had to overcome this challenge not just to pass the course, but also because understanding statistics is important for a marketing career. Data analysis is a big part of marketing, and I wanted to be prepared for my future career.

The first step I took was to seek help. I started attending office hours with my professor, even though I felt nervous at first. I realized that asking questions was not a sign of weakness; it was a necessary part of learning. My professor was patient and took the time to explain concepts in a way that made more sense to me. This one-on-one time was invaluable, and it helped me start to grasp the basics.

In addition to office hours, I joined a study group with some classmates. We met once a week to go over homework and prepare for exams. This was incredibly helpful because it gave me a chance to discuss problems with peers who were also trying to understand the material. We shared different perspectives and techniques, which helped me see the problems in new ways.

I also turned to online resources. There are countless videos and tutorials available that break down statistical concepts into simpler terms. I spent time watching these videos and practicing problems on my own. This extra practice was crucial for me. The more I practiced, the more confident I became in my ability to tackle statistical problems.

Another important change I made was in my study habits. In high school, I often crammed for tests at the last minute, but I realized that this approach would not work in college, especially for a subject like statistics. I started setting aside time each day to review my notes and work on practice problems. By spreading out my study sessions, I was able to retain information better and reduce the stress of last-minute cramming.

As the semester went on, I began to see improvement. My grades on quizzes and assignments started to rise, and I felt more confident in my abilities. By the time the final exam came around, I was no longer dreading it. I had put in the work and knew that I was prepared.

I passed the class with a grade that I was proud of, but more importantly, I learned a lot about myself and how to handle academic challenges. This experience taught me the value of persistence and the importance of seeking help when needed. It also showed me the power of collaboration and utilizing different resources to overcome obstacles.

Looking back, I am grateful for the struggle I faced in my statistics class. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to develop new skills and strategies. These lessons will serve me well as I continue my studies in marketing and beyond. I know that I will face more challenges in the future, but I am confident that I have the tools and mindset to overcome them.

This experience has also strengthened my resolve to succeed in my chosen field. I am more determined than ever to pursue a career in marketing, where I can apply both my creative and analytical skills. I am excited about the future and eager to continue learning and growing, both academically and personally.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming the challenge of my statistics class was a pivotal moment in my college journey. It taught me resilience, the importance of seeking support, and the value of hard work. These are lessons that I will carry with me as I pursue my goals and strive to make a positive impact in the world of marketing.