Beginning of a New Journey by Jeremiah

Beginning of a New Journey by Jeremiah - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Jeremiah Jackson, and I am a sophomore at Southern New Hampshire University, majoring in Criminal Justice. I have faced many challenges in my academic journey, but one of the most significant has been maintaining a strong GPA. My current GPA stands at 1.19, and while this is not where I want it to be, it reflects the struggles I have had to overcome.

Starting college was a big transition for me. I was excited to dive into my studies and learn more about criminal justice, a field I am passionate about. However, I quickly realized that balancing academics with other responsibilities was more difficult than I had anticipated. I struggled to keep up with the coursework, and my grades began to suffer.

One of the main challenges I faced was time management. In high school, I did not need to manage my time as strictly, but college demanded a new level of organization and discipline. I found myself overwhelmed by assignments, deadlines, and exams. It felt like I was constantly playing catch-up, and my stress levels were through the roof.

To address this, I knew I needed to make some changes. I started by reaching out for help. I spoke with my professors about my struggles, and they were understanding and supportive. They offered advice on how to better manage my time and suggested resources that could help me improve my study habits. This was a turning point for me because it taught me the importance of seeking help when needed.

I also began using a planner to keep track of assignments and deadlines. This simple tool made a huge difference in how I organized my days. By writing everything down, I could plan my study sessions more effectively and ensure that I was not leaving things until the last minute. It helped me prioritize tasks and manage my workload in a more structured way.

Another important step was finding a study routine that worked for me. I experimented with different study techniques and environments to see what was most effective. I discovered that I focused better in quieter settings, so I started studying in the library instead of my dorm room. I also found that breaking my study sessions into shorter, more frequent intervals helped me retain information better.

Despite these efforts, I still faced setbacks, and my GPA did not improve overnight. There were times when I felt discouraged, but I reminded myself that improvement takes time and persistence. I learned to celebrate small victories, like understanding a difficult concept or improving my grade on a test. These moments of progress motivated me to keep pushing forward.

I also realized the importance of self-care in maintaining my academic performance. Balancing school with my personal life was crucial, so I made sure to set aside time for activities that helped me relax and recharge. Whether it was going for a walk, playing basketball, or simply listening to music, these breaks helped me manage stress and return to my studies with a clearer mind.

Through these experiences, I have learned that overcoming academic challenges is not just about improving grades. It is about developing resilience, learning from mistakes, and continuously striving to do better. My GPA may still be a work in progress, but I am committed to improving it and achieving my academic goals.

My journey has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of seeking support when needed. I know that the skills I am developing now will serve me well in my future career in criminal justice, where problem-solving and determination are key.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story through this scholarship contest. Winning would not only help me financially but also serve as a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to success, even in the face of adversity. I am determined to continue improving and making the most of my education, and I am excited to see where this journey will take me.