Challenging Academic Experience and How I Overcame It by Jordan

Challenging Academic Experience and How I Overcame It by Jordan - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Jordan Tolentino, and I am currently a freshman at Los Angeles Pierce College, majoring in Business Administration, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. As a college student, I have faced my fair share of challenging academic experiences, but one stands out as particularly impactful in shaping who I am today.

During my first semester, I enrolled in an introductory economics course. I was excited to dive into the subject, as I knew it was crucial for my intended career path in business. However, I quickly realized that the course was much more demanding than I had anticipated. The concepts were complex, and the pace of the class was fast. I found myself struggling to keep up with the material, and my initial excitement began to turn into anxiety.

The first major challenge came with our midterm exam. Despite studying diligently, I did not perform as well as I had hoped. It was disheartening to see my grade, and I began to doubt my ability to succeed in the field I was passionate about. I knew I needed to make a change in my approach if I wanted to improve.

The first step I took was to seek help. I reached out to my professor during office hours to discuss my struggles. This was not easy for me, as I felt embarrassed to admit that I was having difficulty. However, my professor was incredibly understanding and supportive. He provided me with additional resources and explained the concepts I was struggling with in a way that made them more accessible. This experience taught me the importance of seeking help when needed and not being afraid to ask questions.

In addition to seeking help from my professor, I also formed a study group with some of my classmates. We met regularly to review the material, discuss our understanding of the concepts, and quiz each other. This collaborative approach was incredibly beneficial, as it allowed me to gain different perspectives and insights from my peers. It also helped me to stay motivated and accountable, as we all worked towards a common goal of improving our understanding and performance in the class.

Another strategy I employed was to improve my time management skills. I realized that I needed to allocate more time to studying for this course, so I created a detailed study schedule. This schedule included specific times for reading, reviewing notes, and completing practice problems. By sticking to this schedule, I was able to stay organized and ensure that I was dedicating enough time to mastering the material.

I also made use of online resources to supplement my learning. There are countless educational videos and articles available that explain economic concepts in a variety of ways. I found these resources to be incredibly helpful, as they allowed me to reinforce what I was learning in class and gain a deeper understanding of the topics.

Through these efforts, I was able to improve my performance in the course. I approached the final exam with a renewed sense of confidence, and I was thrilled to see a significant improvement in my grade. More importantly, I gained a deeper understanding of economics and developed skills that would be valuable throughout my academic journey and future career.

Reflecting on this experience, I realize that it taught me several important lessons. I learned the value of perseverance and the importance of not giving up when faced with challenges. I also discovered the power of collaboration and the benefits of working with others to achieve a common goal. Additionally, I gained a better understanding of how to manage my time effectively and the importance of seeking help when needed.

This challenging academic experience has made me more resilient and better prepared to tackle future obstacles. It has also reinforced my passion for my chosen field of study and my determination to succeed. As I continue my education at Pierce College, I am confident that the skills and lessons I have learned will serve me well as I pursue my goals in business administration, management, marketing, finance, and economics.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming academic challenges is an integral part of the college experience. It is through these challenges that we grow and develop the skills necessary to succeed in our chosen fields. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and the support I have received along the way, and I am excited to continue my journey as a student and future business leader.