Oh, She’s Dedicated! by Kenijah

Oh, She’s Dedicated! by Kenijah - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Certainly, here is your essay:

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My name is Kenijah Ross, and I am currently a sophomore at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, majoring in Criminal Justice. As a student, I have faced my fair share of academic challenges, but one experience in particular stands out as the most difficult yet transformative. This challenge taught me resilience and the importance of seeking support when needed.

During my freshman year, I struggled to adjust to the demands of college life. The transition from high school to university was more difficult than I had anticipated. I found myself overwhelmed by the workload, the pace of the courses, and the pressure to perform well. My GPA, which is currently 1.8, reflects the struggles I faced during that year. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially because I had always been a dedicated student.

The most challenging part was a course in criminal justice that required a deep understanding of complex theories and case studies. I remember sitting in my dorm room, surrounded by stacks of notes and textbooks, feeling completely lost. No matter how much I studied, I could not seem to grasp the material. My grades were slipping, and I felt like I was drowning.

It was during this time that I learned the importance of asking for help. I realized that I could not do it all on my own, and there was no shame in seeking support. I reached out to my professor and explained my situation. To my surprise, she was incredibly understanding and offered to meet with me during her office hours to go over the material. Those sessions were incredibly helpful. She broke down the concepts into manageable parts and helped me develop strategies for studying more effectively.

In addition to seeking help from my professor, I also joined a study group with some classmates. This was a game-changer for me. Working with others allowed me to see different perspectives and approaches to the material. We would quiz each other, discuss case studies, and share our notes. It was comforting to know that I was not alone in my struggles, and together, we were able to support each other.

Another important step in overcoming this challenge was improving my time management skills. I realized that part of my struggle was due to poor organization. I started using a planner to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and study sessions. I set aside specific times each day dedicated solely to studying, ensuring that I was consistent and focused.

Despite these efforts, it was not an overnight fix. It took time, patience, and persistence. There were still moments of doubt, but I kept reminding myself of my goals and why I chose to pursue a degree in criminal justice. I am passionate about making a difference in my community and understanding the complexities of the legal system. This kept me motivated, even when things got tough.

By the end of the semester, I saw a noticeable improvement in my understanding of the course material and my grades. While my GPA is still a work in progress, I am proud of the progress I have made. This experience taught me that setbacks are not failures, but opportunities to learn and grow. It also reinforced the importance of building a support network and utilizing the resources available to me.

Looking back, I am grateful for this challenging experience because it taught me resilience and the power of perseverance. It also prepared me for future challenges, both academically and personally. I am now more confident in my abilities and more determined than ever to succeed in my studies.

I am applying for this scholarship because I believe it will help me continue my education and achieve my goals. I am committed to improving my academic performance and making the most of my time at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. With this scholarship, I can focus more on my studies and less on the financial burdens of college.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to continue my journey in criminal justice and make a positive impact in my community. This scholarship would be a tremendous help in reaching that goal.