My Challenge by Karsyn

My Challenge by Karsyn - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Growing up, I always had a love for science. I was fascinated by how the human body works and how we can use that knowledge to help people. This passion led me to pursue a major in Biology with a Pre-Med track, with the dream of one day becoming a physician assistant. However, my journey has not been without challenges. One of the most significant academic hurdles I faced was during my junior year of high school in AP Biology.

Biology had always been a subject I found intriguing, but AP Biology was a completely different beast. The pace was fast, the material was complex, and the expectations were high. I remember the first few weeks feeling completely lost. The concepts were abstract, and I struggled to connect them to the real-world applications that I was so interested in. My first test scores were lower than I had hoped, and I began to doubt my abilities. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially for someone who had always excelled in science.

I knew I had to find a way to overcome this challenge if I wanted to continue on my path towards a career in medicine. The first step I took was to change my mindset. I realized that struggling did not mean I was not capable; it just meant I needed to approach the subject differently. I reminded myself why I was doing this in the first place, and that motivation helped me push through the tough times.

I started by seeking help from my teacher. I approached her after class and explained my difficulties. She was incredibly supportive and offered to meet with me during lunch breaks to go over the material. These sessions were invaluable. She helped me break down complex topics into manageable parts and showed me how to approach problems systematically. With her guidance, I began to see improvements.

In addition to one-on-one help, I also joined a study group with some classmates. We met twice a week to review material, work on practice problems, and quiz each other. This was a game-changer because it allowed me to see different perspectives on the same problem. Sometimes, just hearing someone else explain a concept in their own words made everything click. We supported each other and celebrated our small victories, which made the learning process more enjoyable.

I also made use of online resources. There are countless educational videos and forums where people explain biology concepts in various ways. I spent time watching tutorials and participating in online discussions. This not only reinforced what I was learning in class but also gave me additional strategies for tackling difficult problems.

Time management was another crucial aspect I had to improve. Balancing AP Biology with my other classes and extracurricular activities was challenging. I began using a planner to organize my schedule, blocking out specific times for studying biology. This helped me stay on track and ensured that I was dedicating enough time to understand the material thoroughly.

Over time, my hard work started to pay off. My test scores improved, and I gained more confidence in my abilities. By the end of the year, I was not only passing but excelling in AP Biology. This experience taught me a lot about perseverance and the importance of seeking help when needed. It also reinforced my passion for science and my desire to pursue a career in medicine.

Looking back, I am grateful for the challenge because it prepared me for the rigors of college-level coursework. As I transition to college as a freshman, majoring in Biology with a Pre-Med track, I know that I will face more difficult courses and situations. However, I now have the tools and the mindset to tackle them head-on.

This experience has also inspired me to help others who might be struggling academically. I plan to join study groups and tutoring programs in college to support my peers, just as my teacher and classmates supported me. I believe that collaboration and mutual support are key to overcoming academic challenges.

In conclusion, the challenges I faced in AP Biology were pivotal in shaping my academic journey. They taught me resilience, the value of seeking help, and the power of teamwork. These lessons will stay with me as I pursue my dreams in the medical field. I am excited about the future and ready to face any challenges that come my way with determination and a positive attitude.