First-year by Juanita-Enobel

First-year by Juanita-Enobel - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

As a first-year college student at Syracuse University, majoring in Biology, I have faced my fair share of academic challenges. Transitioning from high school to college was a significant shift. In high school, I maintained a GPA of 3.9, but college presented a new level of difficulty that I had not fully anticipated. One of the most challenging experiences I faced was during my first semester in my General Chemistry course.

In high school, I excelled in science classes, so I felt confident going into my freshman year. However, college-level chemistry was far more rigorous than I expected. The pace was fast, the material was dense, and the expectations were high. I quickly realized that the study habits that had served me well in high school were not enough. My first few tests did not go as planned, and I found myself struggling to keep up with the coursework. My confidence started to waver, and I worried about my ability to succeed in my chosen major.

The turning point came after I received a particularly disappointing grade on a midterm exam. I knew I had to change 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 difficulties. This was not easy for me, as I have always been an independent learner, but it turned out to be incredibly beneficial. My professor helped me understand where I was going wrong and gave me valuable tips on how to approach the material.

I also joined a study group with other students from my class. This was a game-changer for me. Being able to discuss the material with peers who were going through the same struggles made a big difference. We were able to support each other, share resources, and explain concepts in ways that made sense to us. The collaborative environment of the study group helped me to see the material from different perspectives and solidified my understanding.

In addition to seeking help from my professor and joining a study group, I realized I needed to improve my time management skills. College life is full of distractions, and it was easy to lose track of time. I began to use a planner to organize my schedule, setting aside specific times each day for studying chemistry. This structure helped me to stay on top of my assignments and ensured I was consistently reviewing the material, rather than cramming the night before exams.

Another important step was changing my study techniques. I started to focus on active learning strategies, such as teaching the material to someone else, creating flashcards, and doing practice problems regularly. These methods helped me to engage more deeply with the content and retain information better.

Throughout this process, I learned a lot about resilience and perseverance. It was not just about working harder but also about working smarter. I had to be honest with myself about my weaknesses and take proactive steps to address them. This experience taught me the value of seeking help and collaborating with others, as well as the importance of adapting to new challenges.

By the end of the semester, my efforts paid off. I saw significant improvement in my grades and, more importantly, in my understanding of the subject. My GPA may not be as high as it was in high school, currently standing at 3.2, but I am proud of the progress I have made. This experience has strengthened my resolve to continue pursuing my passion for biology and to overcome any obstacles that come my way.

In reflecting on this challenging academic experience, I have come to appreciate the growth that comes from facing difficulties head-on. It has made me a more resilient and resourceful student, qualities that will serve me well throughout my college career and beyond. I am grateful for the support I received from my professor and peers, and I am determined to keep improving and learning.

This experience has reinforced my commitment to my studies and my future goals. As a Black woman in STEM, I am motivated to succeed and to contribute to my field. I know there will be more challenges ahead, but I am confident in my ability to overcome them. With each challenge, I am becoming a stronger and more capable student, ready to make a difference in the world.