by Jocelyn

by Jocelyn - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

As I reflect on my high school journey, one of the most challenging academic experiences I faced was during my sophomore year in biology class. Biology was a subject that demanded a lot of memorization and understanding of complex systems, and I quickly found myself overwhelmed by the intricate details and scientific terminology. Despite my best efforts, I struggled to keep up with the material and began to worry about how this might affect my dream of pursuing a nursing degree at Snow College.

Initially, I felt discouraged and frustrated. My grades in biology were not where I wanted them to be, and I was concerned about maintaining a strong GPA. I knew that I needed to overcome this challenge, not only to improve my grades but also to prove to myself that I could tackle difficult subjects. I wanted to show that I was capable of handling the rigorous coursework that would come with a nursing major.

The first step I took was to reach out for help. I realized that I could not do it all on my own, and there was no shame in asking for assistance. I approached my biology teacher after class and explained my struggles. She was incredibly supportive and suggested that I attend tutoring sessions that were offered after school. I took her advice and started going to tutoring twice a week.

During these sessions, I worked closely with a tutor who helped me break down complex topics into more manageable pieces. We focused on understanding the fundamental concepts before moving on to more advanced material. This approach made a huge difference, as I began to see the connections between different topics and how they applied to real-world situations—something that is crucial in the field of nursing.

In addition to tutoring, I also formed a study group with a few classmates who were also finding biology challenging. We met regularly to review notes, work on practice problems, and quiz each other. This collaborative environment allowed us to share different perspectives and learning techniques. It was comforting to know that I was not alone in my struggles, and together, we were able to support each other.

Another strategy that helped me overcome this academic challenge was developing better study habits. I realized that my previous approach to studying was not effective for a subject like biology, which required a deep understanding rather than rote memorization. I started to set aside specific times each day to focus on biology, breaking my study sessions into shorter, more focused intervals to maintain concentration and avoid burnout.

I also made use of online resources and educational videos to supplement my learning. Sometimes, hearing a concept explained in a different way or seeing a visual demonstration helped solidify my understanding. I discovered that there are many resources available for students willing to seek them out, and I learned to take advantage of these tools.

Through persistence and hard work, I gradually began to see improvement in my biology grades. More importantly, I gained confidence in my ability to tackle difficult subjects. This experience taught me the value of seeking help, collaborating with others, and adapting my study strategies to fit the demands of the subject matter.

As a Hispanic woman, I am proud to bring my unique perspective and determination to the field of nursing. Overcoming challenges like the one I faced in biology has prepared me for the rigorous coursework ahead. I am committed to pursuing a career in nursing because I want to make a difference in people's lives and contribute to my community. Snow College offers an excellent nursing program, and I am eager to learn and grow in such a supportive environment.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming my struggles in biology was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It taught me resilience, the importance of seeking help, and the power of collaboration. These lessons will undoubtedly serve me well as I pursue my nursing degree and work towards my goal of becoming a compassionate and skilled nurse. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hopeful for the chance to continue my education with the support of this scholarship.