College is Hard by Kira

College is Hard by Kira - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Kira Lau, and I am a sophomore at Chapman University, majoring in a healthcare-related field. As I reflect on my academic journey, one challenging experience stands out as a defining moment in my college career. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of seeking help when needed. This experience not only tested my academic abilities but also strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in healthcare.

During my first year at Chapman University, I enrolled in a particularly demanding biology course. I had always been passionate about science, but this class proved to be more challenging than anything I had encountered before. The pace was fast, the material was complex, and the expectations were high. Despite my best efforts, I struggled to keep up with the lectures and assignments. My grades were not reflecting the hard work I was putting in, and I started to doubt my abilities.

This period was particularly stressful because I had always been a diligent student, and I had never faced such difficulty in understanding course material. I realized that my usual study methods were not effective for this class. I felt overwhelmed and anxious, worried that I might not be able to succeed in my chosen field if I could not overcome this hurdle.

To address this challenge, I decided to take a step back and reassess my approach to learning. I knew I needed to develop new strategies that would help me grasp the material more effectively. The first step I took was to reach out for help. I attended office hours regularly to seek clarification on topics I found difficult. My professor was supportive and provided valuable insights that helped me understand the material from a different perspective.

In addition to seeking help from my professor, I also formed a study group with some of my classmates. This collaborative approach allowed us to learn from each other and fill in the gaps in our understanding. We would meet weekly to discuss the lectures, work through practice problems, and quiz each other on key concepts. This not only improved my comprehension but also made studying more enjoyable and less isolating.

Another crucial step in overcoming this challenge was improving my time management skills. I realized that I needed to allocate more time to this class than I had initially planned. I created a detailed study schedule that included dedicated time slots for reviewing lecture notes, completing assignments, and preparing for exams. By organizing my time more efficiently, I was able to stay on top of the coursework and reduce my stress levels.

Furthermore, I explored different learning resources beyond the textbook. I watched online tutorials, read supplementary articles, and used interactive biology apps to reinforce my understanding. These resources provided alternative explanations and visual aids that helped me grasp complex concepts more easily.

Throughout this experience, I learned the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. There were times when I felt discouraged, but I reminded myself that challenges are opportunities for growth. I focused on my long-term goals and stayed motivated by envisioning the impact I hope to make in the healthcare field.

By the end of the semester, my efforts paid off. My grades improved significantly, and I gained a deeper understanding of biology. More importantly, I developed skills that will serve me well in my future studies and career. I learned how to adapt my learning strategies to different situations, seek support when needed, and manage my time effectively.

This challenging academic experience taught me resilience and determination. It reinforced my passion for healthcare and my commitment to overcoming obstacles in pursuit of my goals. I am grateful for the lessons I learned and the support I received from my professors and peers. As I continue my studies, I carry these lessons with me, knowing that I am capable of overcoming any challenge that comes my way.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming this academic challenge has been a pivotal experience in my college journey. It taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of seeking help and collaborating with others. I am proud of the progress I made and the skills I developed, and I am excited to apply these lessons as I continue to pursue my passion for healthcare. Thank you for considering my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.