My College Experience by John

My College Experience by John - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I first started college at South Georgia State College, I was excited but also nervous about the new challenges I would face. I decided to major in Cybersecurity because I have always been interested in technology and the way it shapes our world. However, I quickly realized that college-level courses were much more demanding than high school. One of the most challenging experiences I faced was in my Introduction to Computer Science class during my first semester.

The class was foundational for my major, and I knew I had to do well. However, the pace of the lectures was fast, and the concepts were often complex. Topics like algorithms and data structures were new to me, and I found myself struggling to keep up. My first few assignments did not go as well as I had hoped, and I started to doubt my abilities. I worried that maybe I was not cut out for a career in Cybersecurity after all.

Instead of giving up, I decided to take action. I knew I needed to change my approach to studying. First, I started attending every office hour that my professor offered. I realized that asking questions and seeking clarification was not a sign of weakness but a necessary step to understanding difficult material. My professor was patient and helped explain concepts in a way that made more sense to me.

I also formed a study group with a few classmates. We met twice a week to review lecture notes, work on assignments together, and quiz each other on key concepts. This not only helped me learn better but also made me feel more connected to my peers. We supported each other, and it was reassuring to know that I was not the only one finding the material challenging.

Additionally, I sought out online resources to supplement my learning. Websites like Khan Academy and Coursera offered free courses that helped reinforce what I was learning in class. I also watched YouTube tutorials on specific topics I found difficult. These resources allowed me to learn at my own pace and revisit topics as many times as I needed.

Another important step I took was improving my time management skills. In high school, I could get by with last-minute studying, but college required a different approach. I started using a planner to organize my schedule, blocking out specific times each day for studying. By breaking down my workload into manageable chunks, I was able to stay on top of my assignments and reduce stress.

As the semester progressed, I noticed a significant improvement in my understanding of the material. My grades on assignments and exams began to improve, and I felt more confident in my abilities. By the end of the semester, I had not only passed the class but had also developed a genuine interest in the subject matter.

This experience taught me several valuable lessons. I learned the importance of perseverance and the need to adapt my study habits to meet new challenges. I also realized the value of seeking help and using available resources to enhance my learning. Most importantly, I discovered that I was capable of overcoming obstacles if I was willing to put in the effort.

Now, as I continue my studies in Cybersecurity, I feel better prepared to tackle future challenges. I know that the field is constantly evolving, and I will need to keep learning and adapting. However, I am confident that the skills and strategies I developed during that challenging semester will serve me well throughout my college career and beyond.

In conclusion, facing academic challenges is an inevitable part of the college experience, but it is also an opportunity for growth. By embracing the difficulties I encountered in my Introduction to Computer Science class, I was able to develop resilience, improve my study habits, and deepen my passion for Cybersecurity. I am grateful for the experience because it taught me that with determination and the right support, I can achieve my goals. I am excited to continue my education and look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.