How I Overcame My Academic Struggled by Karrington

How I Overcame My Academic Struggled by Karrington - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Karrington Kirkby and I am a sophomore at Joliet Junior College, majoring in Mathematics. I have faced my fair share of academic challenges, but one experience stands out as a particular formative. It taught me a lot about perseverance, self-belief, and the power of asking for help when needed.

During my sophomore year of high school, I struggled with Algebra. I had always been good at math prior to this class, so I thought I would breeze through this class. But my teacher had her baby a week into the start of class and we had this maternity sub for the entire first semester. This sub knew nothing about this math class and followed the sub plans for my teachers absences. It felt like I was learning online and had no real teacher to help explain things to me in a clearer way. I had and always will struggle with a learning disability. This impacted my way of learning through high school and now college. It takes me twice the time to learn and comprehend the material than the average student. I found myself falling quickly falling behind because the class moved fast paced. My grades started slipping, and my confidence took a hit. It was a tough time because I began to doubt my ability to succeed in becoming a Mathematics teacher. 

The first step in overcoming this challenge was admitting that I needed help. It was not easy to do because I had always been independent and prided myself on figuring things out on my own. But I realized that if I wanted to improve, I had to reach out for support. So I started attending tutoring sessions offered by my high school. The tutors were incredibly patient and explained the concepts in a way that finally made sense to me. They took the time to go over everything a couple of times so I could really comprehend what I was learning. They helped me break down complex problems into manageable steps, which was a game-changer.

In addition to tutoring, I asked a couple of the students in my class to form a study group that meets once a week. We met to go over homework, discuss difficult topics, and prepare for the chapter tests. This group was not just about academics; it was a source of moral support. We encouraged each other, shared study tips, and celebrated our small victories together. Knowing I was not alone in my struggle made a huge difference in my attitude and motivation.

I also realized that I needed to change my study habits. In prior classes, I could get by with last-minute cramming, but  that approach was not working in this class. I started to manage my time better, setting aside specific hours every day to focus on Algebra. Consistency was key in comprehending the learning material for this class. By developing a routine, I was able to stay on top of the material and reduce the stress of looming deadlines and upcoming tests.

Another important step was talking to another teacher that taught the same subject. Initially, I was hesitant because I did not want to admit I was struggling. I had this teacher in another class and I got an A, so it was hard to talk to someone who saw me as a kid who got good grades to me who was currently struggling in another class. But she was understanding and offered additional resources, including office hours for one-on-one help. This extra attention helped clarify my doubts and gave me more confidence in tackling difficult experiences.

Throughout this experience, I learned a lot about resilience. There were times when I felt like giving up, but pushing through those moments taught me that I am capable of more than I initially believed. My grades gradually improved, and by the end of the semester, I had a much better grasp of the material. More importantly, I regained my confidence and realized that challenges are opportunities to grow.

This experience has shaped my approach to learning and problem-solving. I have learned to be proactive in seeking help and to view challenges as part of the learning process. It has also reinforced my passion for mathematics and my determination to succeed in this field, despite the hurdles.

I am still working on improving my GPA, and I know I have a long way to go. However, I am committed to my education and to becoming a better student. This journey has taught me the value of perseverance, collaboration, and time management—skills that will be invaluable in my future academic and professional endeavors.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming the challenge of Algebra has been a pivotal experience in my college journey. It has taught me the importance of humility, the willingness to seek help, and the strength of working with others. I am grateful for the support I received from tutors, classmates, and my teachers, and I am proud of my progress. These lessons will continue to guide me as I pursue my studies in mathematics and beyond.