Objective by Johanna

Objective by Johanna - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Johanna Quintero, and I am currently a sophomore at the College of Lake County, where I am pursuing my passion for education and teaching. As a Hispanic woman, I am proud of my heritage and the diverse perspectives it brings to my studies. I have faced many challenges in my academic journey, but one experience stands out as a defining moment that taught me resilience and determination.

During my first year of college, I enrolled in a challenging course that was a requirement for my major in education. I was excited about the class because it was directly related to my future career as a teacher. However, I quickly realized that the course was more difficult than I had anticipated. The material was dense, and the pace was fast. I struggled to keep up with the readings and assignments, and my grades were not where I wanted them to be. It was a humbling experience, and I began to doubt my abilities and question whether I was truly cut out for a career in teaching.

The turning point came when I received a particularly low grade on a major assignment. I was devastated and felt overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed. However, instead of giving up, I decided to take a step back and reevaluate my approach to the class. I realized that I needed to change my study habits and find new ways to engage with the material.

First, I reached out to my professor for help. I was nervous about admitting that I was struggling, but I knew that I needed guidance. My professor was incredibly supportive and offered valuable feedback on how I could improve my work. She also recommended additional resources, such as tutoring sessions and study groups, which I decided to take advantage of.

Next, I started attending study groups with my classmates. This was a game-changer for me because it allowed me to discuss the material with others and gain different perspectives. I found that explaining concepts to my peers helped solidify my own understanding. Additionally, I learned new study techniques from my classmates, such as creating flashcards and summarizing chapters in my own words.

I also made a conscious effort to manage my time more effectively. I created a study schedule that allowed me to dedicate specific blocks of time each day to review the course material. This helped me stay organized and ensured that I was consistently engaging with the content. I learned the importance of setting realistic goals and breaking down assignments into manageable tasks.

Through these efforts, I gradually saw improvement in my performance. My grades started to rise, and I regained my confidence. More importantly, I developed a deeper understanding of the subject matter and discovered a genuine passion for the topics we were studying. This experience taught me that challenges are opportunities for growth and that perseverance and hard work can lead to success.

Reflecting on this experience, I realized that overcoming academic challenges is an essential part of becoming an effective teacher. As an educator, I will encounter students who face their own struggles, and I want to be able to support and guide them just as my professor did for me. This experience reinforced my commitment to my major and my desire to make a positive impact in the field of education.

In conclusion, the challenging academic experience I faced during my first year of college taught me valuable lessons about resilience, determination, and the importance of seeking help when needed. It was a pivotal moment in my academic journey that strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in teaching. I am grateful for the support I received from my professor and classmates and am proud of the progress I made. As I continue my studies, I am motivated to overcome any obstacles that come my way and to inspire others to do the same.