Perseverance by Jason

Perseverance by Jason - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Jason Garcia, and I am currently a junior at Colorado State University - Global Campus, majoring in Human Resources. Throughout my college journey, I have faced various academic challenges, but one experience stands out as particularly transformative. It was during my sophomore year when I encountered a course that tested my limits and ultimately taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and resourcefulness.

The course was Organizational Behavior, a core requirement for my major. Initially, I was excited to dive into the subject matter, as it seemed directly aligned with my career goals in Human Resources. However, as the semester progressed, I found myself struggling to keep up with the complex theories and extensive reading material. My grades started to slip, and I felt overwhelmed by the workload. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially since I had always prided myself on being a diligent student.

One of the main challenges I faced was understanding the intricate concepts and how they applied to real-world scenarios. The professor's teaching style was heavily lecture-based, which made it difficult for me to engage with the material. I realized that I needed to find a way to grasp the content more effectively if I wanted to succeed in the course.

Determined to overcome this obstacle, I decided to change my approach. The first step I took was to seek help from my peers. I formed a study group with a few classmates who were also finding the course challenging. We met regularly to discuss the material, share insights, and quiz each other on key concepts. This collaborative effort not only helped me understand the subject better but also provided a support system that motivated me to keep pushing forward.

In addition to the study group, I took advantage of the resources available at my university. I attended tutoring sessions and sought guidance from the academic support center. The tutors were incredibly helpful in breaking down the material into manageable parts and offering different perspectives on the topics. Their encouragement and patience gave me the confidence to tackle the course with renewed determination.

Another strategy that proved beneficial was changing the way I studied. I started creating visual aids, such as mind maps and diagrams, to organize the information in a way that made sense to me. This method helped me see the connections between different concepts and retain the information more effectively. I also began summarizing each chapter in my own words, which reinforced my understanding and allowed me to review the material more efficiently.

Despite these efforts, there were times when I still felt discouraged. Balancing my coursework with other responsibilities was challenging, and there were moments when I doubted my ability to succeed. However, I reminded myself of the importance of perseverance and the value of the lessons I was learning through this experience. I was determined not to let this setback define my academic journey.

As the semester progressed, my hard work started to pay off. My grades gradually improved, and I gained a deeper understanding of the course material. By the end of the semester, I had not only passed the class but also developed skills that would serve me well in my future studies and career.

Reflecting on this experience, I realize that overcoming academic challenges is not just about achieving a good grade. It is about developing resilience, learning to adapt, and finding creative solutions to problems. This course taught me the importance of seeking help when needed, collaborating with others, and approaching challenges with an open mind.

As a Hispanic man, I am proud of my heritage and the values it has instilled in me, such as hard work and perseverance. This experience reinforced those values and showed me that I am capable of overcoming obstacles, no matter how daunting they may seem.

In conclusion, the challenging academic experience I faced in my Organizational Behavior course was a turning point in my college journey. It taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, resourcefulness, and the power of collaboration. These skills will undoubtedly serve me well as I continue pursuing my degree in Human Resources and prepare for a career where I can make a positive impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on this experience and share it as part of my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.