My Academic Challenges by Joseph

My Academic Challenges by Joseph - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

I’m a sophomore at Moraine Valley Community College, and I’m majoring in Pre-Med. Being a Hispanic student aiming for a career in medicine, I’ve hit a few bumps along the way, but one academic challenge really stands out.

When I first started college, I jumped into an introductory biology class that had a reputation for being tough. I was excited about diving into something I loved, but I soon realized the class was way harder than I expected. The material was heavy, the pace was quick, and the expectations were high. I was struggling to keep up, and it was a real eye-opener for me.

First off, I knew I had to change how I studied. In high school, I got by without much effort, but college was entirely different. So I decided to make a study schedule and break down the material into smaller, manageable parts. I set specific times each day to go over notes, read the textbook, and do practice problems. This kept me organized and on track.

I also looked for extra help to get a better grip on the material. Moraine Valley has some great resources. I regularly hit up the tutoring center to get one-on-one help from tutors who knew their stuff in biology. They gave me new ways to look at the material and taught me strategies for handling tricky problems. Their support really boosted my confidence.

Managing my time was another big part of overcoming this challenge. Balancing coursework with other responsibilities was tough, but I knew it was what I had to do. I started using a planner to keep track of deadlines, which helped me prioritize tasks and avoid last-minute stress. This skill has been crucial in not only college, but also in my life.

Throughout this experience, I learned the importance of sticking with it and being resilient. There were times I felt overwhelmed and doubted myself, but I kept reminding myself of my goals and why I wanted to go into medicine. I was driven by the desire to make a difference and to be a role model for other students like me.

By the end of the semester, all the hard work paid off. My grades improved a lot, and I got a deeper understanding of biology. More importantly, I picked up skills that have helped me in other classes and will keep helping me in the future.

This tough academic experience taught me that setbacks are just chances to grow. I learned the value of asking for help and using resources, plus the importance of staying organized and managing my time. These lessons have made me more determined, preparing me for future challenges.

I’m really grateful for the support from my tutors and the community at Moraine Valley. Their encouragement was key in helping me get through this. As I keep going with my Pre-Med studies, I’m confident the skills and lessons I’ve learned will help me reach my dream of becoming a doctor.