My Story by Janavia

My Story by Janavia - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my first year at Arkansas State University, I faced a challenging academic experience that tested my resilience and determination. As a nursing student, I was excited to dive into my studies and learn all I could about providing care and support to those in need. However, I quickly realized that the coursework was more demanding than I had anticipated. The transition from high school to college was a significant change, and balancing my classes, labs, and clinicals became overwhelming.

One of the most difficult courses for me was Anatomy and Physiology. The sheer volume of information, coupled with the need to understand complex concepts, was daunting. I struggled to keep up with the pace of the class and found myself falling behind. My high school GPA of 3.2 had not fully prepared me for the intensity of college-level science courses, and I began to doubt my ability to succeed in the nursing program.

Realizing that I needed to take action, I reached out for help. I started by speaking with my professor, who was incredibly supportive and offered me guidance on how to approach the material. She suggested that I form a study group with my classmates, which turned out to be a game-changer. Collaborating with my peers allowed me to gain different perspectives on the topics we were learning, and it helped me to better understand the material. We would meet regularly to review notes, quiz each other, and discuss any areas of confusion.

In addition to the study group, I made use of the resources available on campus. I visited the tutoring center, where I received one-on-one assistance from tutors who were knowledgeable in the subject. They helped me develop effective study techniques, such as creating flashcards and summarizing information in my own words. I also started attending supplemental instruction sessions, which provided additional opportunities to review the material and ask questions in a smaller, more focused setting.

Time management was another area I needed to improve. Balancing my coursework with my responsibilities as a nursing assistant required careful planning. I began using a planner to organize my schedule, setting aside specific times each day for studying, attending classes, and completing assignments. This structure helped me to stay on top of my work and reduced the stress of feeling unprepared.

Despite these efforts, there were moments when I felt discouraged. The pressure of wanting to succeed as a Black woman in a demanding field weighed heavily on me. However, I drew strength from my long-term goal of becoming a nurse and the impact I hoped to have in my community. I reminded myself that overcoming these challenges was a part of the journey toward achieving my dreams.

As the semester progressed, my hard work started to pay off. My grades in Anatomy and Physiology improved, and I gained confidence in my ability to tackle difficult subjects. This experience taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of seeking support when needed. It also reinforced my passion for nursing and my commitment to helping others.

Reflecting on this challenging academic experience, I am grateful for the growth it spurred in me. It taught me that setbacks are not the end but rather opportunities to learn and adapt. I now approach my studies with a greater sense of determination and a toolkit of strategies to help me succeed.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue my journey in the nursing program at ASU. I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I have gained to make a difference in the lives of others. This experience has strengthened my resolve to overcome any future challenges that may come my way and has reinforced my belief in the power of education to transform lives.

In conclusion, the challenges I faced during my first year of college were difficult, but they were also instrumental in shaping me into a more resilient and resourceful student. I am proud of how far I have come and am committed to continuing my education with the same dedication and passion. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hope to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges in their academic journey.