Perseverance by Laila

Perseverance by Laila - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my high school journey, I have faced various academic challenges that tested my resilience and determination. One of the most significant challenges I encountered was during my junior year in my Advanced Placement (AP) English class. This experience not only tested my academic abilities but also taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and adaptability.

In the beginning, I was excited to take AP English because I have always enjoyed reading and writing. However, I quickly realized that the workload and expectations were much higher than I had anticipated. The essays were more complex, the reading materials were dense, and the pace of the class was fast. I found myself struggling to keep up with the assignments and often felt overwhelmed by the pressure to perform well.

My initial reaction was to doubt my abilities. I questioned whether I was truly capable of succeeding in such a demanding class. My grades started to slip, and my confidence took a hit. I knew I had to find a way to overcome this challenge, not just for my grades but for my own self-esteem.

The turning point came when I decided to seek help. I approached my teacher after class and explained my struggles. She was incredibly supportive and offered me guidance on how to manage the workload more effectively. She suggested breaking down assignments into smaller, manageable tasks and recommended some additional resources to help with my writing skills.

I also formed a study group with a few classmates who were facing similar challenges. We met regularly to discuss the reading materials and share our insights. This collaborative approach helped me gain a deeper understanding of the texts and improved my analytical skills. It was reassuring to know that I was not alone in my struggles, and we motivated each other to push through the difficulties.

Additionally, I made use of online resources and writing workshops to further enhance my skills. I spent extra time revising my essays and sought feedback from peers and teachers. Gradually, I started to see improvements in my writing and my grades began to recover. This experience taught me the importance of seeking help and using available resources to overcome challenges.

Through perseverance and hard work, I was able to turn my situation around. I ended the year with a much better understanding of the material and a newfound confidence in my abilities. This experience taught me that challenges are opportunities for growth and that with determination, I can overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable at first.

This lesson is something I carry with me as I prepare for college. I am interested in pursuing Business Administration and Digital Communications/Media, fields that require both creativity and analytical skills. I know that these areas will present their own set of challenges, but I am confident in my ability to tackle them head-on. My experience in AP English has shown me that I am capable of adapting to new situations and finding solutions to difficult problems.

As a Black woman, I also recognize the importance of representation in these fields. I am committed to working hard and achieving my goals so that I can be a role model for others who may face similar challenges. I want to show that with perseverance and support, it is possible to succeed, regardless of the obstacles we face.

In conclusion, my challenging experience in AP English taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of seeking help. These lessons have prepared me for the challenges I will face in college and beyond. I am excited to continue my education at one of the universities I am applying to, such as Eastern Michigan University or the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where I can further develop my skills and pursue my passion for Business Administration and Digital Communications/Media. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hope to inspire others to overcome their own challenges with determination and resilience.