My essay by Joshua

My essay by Joshua - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I think about a challenging academic experience I have faced, my mind goes back to my junior year of high school. I was taking my first advanced placement class in physics, and to be honest, it was not what I expected. I have always been interested in how things work, especially anything related to electronics. I thought physics would come naturally to me, but it turned out to be one of the toughest subjects I had ever encountered.

The first few weeks were overwhelming. I remember sitting in class, feeling lost as my teacher explained complex concepts like kinematics and Newton's laws. The formulas seemed like a foreign language, and I struggled to keep up with the pace. My grades reflected my confusion, and I started to doubt my ability to succeed in a field I was passionate about.

I knew I had to do something. I could not just give up on my dream of studying electrical engineering. So, I decided to take a step back and figure out a plan. The first thing I did was talk to my teacher. I was nervous about admitting I was struggling, but I am glad I did. My teacher was understanding and suggested I come in for extra help after school. This was a turning point for me. Those one-on-one sessions allowed me to ask questions and get explanations at a pace that worked for me.

In addition to the extra help from my teacher, I also formed a study group with a few classmates. We would meet a couple of times a week to go over homework and prepare for upcoming tests. Working with my peers gave me a different perspective on the material. Sometimes, just hearing how someone else understood a concept made it click for me. Plus, explaining things to others helped reinforce my own understanding.

I also turned to online resources. There are so many great videos and tutorials available that break down difficult topics into manageable pieces. I would spend hours watching videos on topics I found challenging until I felt more comfortable with them. This extra effort outside of class was crucial in helping me catch up and eventually excel in the course.

As time went on, I started to see improvements. My grades slowly climbed, and I began to feel more confident in my abilities. By the end of the year, I had not only passed the class but had done well enough to feel proud of my efforts. More importantly, I learned that perseverance and seeking help are key when facing academic challenges.

This experience taught me a lot about myself and how I handle difficulties. I learned that it is okay to ask for help and that collaboration can be incredibly beneficial. I also realized the importance of staying committed to my goals, even when things get tough. These lessons will be invaluable as I pursue my studies in electrical engineering, a field that will undoubtedly present its own set of challenges.

Looking back, I am grateful for this experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to develop skills that will serve me well in college and beyond. I am excited about the future and the opportunity to continue learning and growing at a university like the University of Houston, Houston Community College, or Rice University. I know that with determination and the willingness to seek out resources and support, I can overcome any academic challenge that comes my way.

In conclusion, facing a challenging academic experience in physics taught me resilience and the value of asking for help. It was not easy, but it was a crucial step in my journey toward becoming an electrical engineer. I am ready to take on the challenges of college with the same determination and enthusiasm.