My biggest challenge by Joshua

My biggest challenge by Joshua - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I look back on my high school years, one of the most challenging academic experiences I faced was during my junior year in my IB Mathematics class. Math has always been a subject I enjoyed, but the International Baccalaureate program took it to a whole new level of complexity. It was like learning a new language, and at first, I felt completely lost.

The first few weeks of the class were overwhelming. The pace was fast, and I struggled to keep up with the new concepts like calculus, statistics, and mathematical reasoning. I remember sitting in class, trying to take notes while also attempting to understand what the teacher was explaining. It felt like everyone else was grasping the material, and I was the only one falling behind. My grades reflected this struggle, and I was worried about how this would affect my GPA and my future college applications.

I knew I had to do something to change the situation. I could not just sit back and hope that things would get better on their own. The first step I took was to talk to my teacher. I stayed after class one day and explained how I was struggling. To my relief, she was very understanding and offered to help me. She suggested that I come in for extra help sessions after school, which I did. These sessions were incredibly helpful because I could ask questions and get one-on-one explanations for the parts I did not understand.

Another thing I did was form a study group with a few classmates. We would meet a couple of times a week to go over homework problems and review for tests. Working with others made a big difference because we could explain things to each other in ways that made sense to us. It also helped to know that I was not alone in finding the material challenging. Together, we tackled the tough problems and celebrated our small victories, which made the learning process more enjoyable.

I also spent more time studying on my own. I watched online videos and tutorials to reinforce what I learned in class. There are so many resources available online, and I found that sometimes a different explanation or perspective on a topic helped it click for me. I made a habit of reviewing my notes every day and doing practice problems until I felt more comfortable with the material.

Over time, my efforts started to pay off. My grades improved, and I began to feel more confident in my abilities. I learned the importance of perseverance and asking for help when needed. This experience taught me that it is okay to struggle and that facing challenges head-on is a part of the learning process. It also showed me how valuable it is to have a support system, whether it is teachers, classmates, or online resources.

This experience has been particularly meaningful as I look forward to studying Industrial Engineering in college. I know that this field will present its own set of challenges, but I feel more prepared to handle them. I am excited about the prospect of attending a university like North Carolina State University or one of the other great schools I am considering, where I can continue to learn and grow. I am eager to apply the skills I have developed in problem-solving, collaboration, and perseverance to my studies and future career.

In conclusion, my experience with IB Mathematics was a tough but valuable lesson in overcoming academic challenges. It taught me that with determination, support, and the right resources, I can overcome obstacles and succeed. I am grateful for the opportunity to have faced this challenge, as it has prepared me for the next steps in my education and life.