Hurdles, Not Roadblocks by Kathryn

Hurdles, Not Roadblocks by Kathryn - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Life is full of challenges, and college is no exception. When I first started my graduate studies at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, I was both excited and nervous. I am pursuing a degree in Kinesiology with a focus on Physical Therapy, a field I am passionate about because it combines my love for science and helping others. However, the transition from undergraduate to graduate school was a significant leap, and I quickly realized that it would test my abilities in ways I had not anticipated.

One of the most challenging academic experiences I faced was during my first semester. The coursework was intense, and the expectations were much higher than what I was used to. I had always been a good student, maintaining a GPA of 3.5, but the sheer volume of material to learn and the depth of understanding required was overwhelming. I found myself struggling to keep up with the pace of the lectures and the demands of the assignments.

The most difficult part was a course in biomechanics. The class was notorious for its complexity, and the professor was known for being particularly rigorous. I remember the first few weeks feeling completely lost. The concepts were intricate, involving a lot of physics and mathematics, areas where I had never felt particularly strong. I was spending countless hours studying, yet my grades on quizzes and assignments were not reflecting my efforts. It was disheartening, and I began to doubt my ability to succeed in the program.

Despite these doubts, I knew I could not give up. I had worked hard to get into this program, and I was determined to overcome this hurdle. The first step I took was to seek help. I reached out to my professor and explained my struggles. To my surprise, he was very understanding and offered additional resources and office hours where I could ask questions and get clarification on difficult topics. This was a turning point for me, as it made me realize that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards improvement.

In addition to utilizing office hours, I formed a study group with a few classmates. This was incredibly beneficial because it allowed us to share different perspectives and problem-solving techniques. Sometimes, hearing a concept explained in a different way made it click. We supported each other, and it was reassuring to know that I was not alone in finding the material challenging.

I also had to improve my time management skills. With so much to learn, I needed to be more organized and efficient with my study time. I started using a planner to schedule my days, blocking out specific times for studying each subject. This helped me stay on track and ensured I was giving adequate attention to all my courses.

Another strategy I employed was active learning. Instead of passively reading textbooks or notes, I began engaging with the material more interactively. I used techniques like summarizing information in my own words, creating mind maps, and teaching the concepts to someone else. These methods helped reinforce my understanding and retention of the material.

Over time, these efforts paid off. My grades gradually improved, and I gained more confidence in my abilities. By the end of the semester, I had not only passed the biomechanics course but had done so with a respectable grade. More importantly, I had developed a set of skills and strategies that would serve me well throughout the rest of my academic journey.

This experience taught me several valuable lessons. I learned the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. I discovered that it is okay to ask for help and that collaboration can be a powerful tool for overcoming difficulties. I also realized the value of effective time management and active learning techniques.

As I continue my studies in Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, I carry these lessons with me. I know there will be more challenges ahead, but I am confident in my ability to tackle them. This experience has not only strengthened my academic skills but has also reinforced my commitment to my chosen field. I am passionate about helping others improve their quality of life through physical therapy, and I am determined to succeed in my studies so that I can make a meaningful impact in the future.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming academic challenges is an integral part of the learning process. It pushes us to grow and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom. I am grateful for the experience, as it has made me a stronger student and a more resilient individual.