by Luke

by Luke - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

During my high school years, I faced several academic challenges, but one of the most significant was taking dual enrollment courses in my senior year. I enrolled in English Composition 1 and 2, as well as World History. These courses were demanding and required me to adapt to a college-level workload while still managing my high school responsibilities.

The challenge began with the sheer volume of reading and writing assignments. In English Composition, we were tasked with writing essays that required critical thinking and a strong command of language. I had to learn how to construct well-organized arguments and support them with evidence, which was a step up from the writing I was used to in high school. Similarly, World History involved extensive reading and analysis of historical texts, which required me to understand and interpret complex events and their implications.

Initially, I struggled to keep up with the pace of these courses. Balancing my dual enrollment classes with my regular high school coursework was overwhelming, and I found myself falling behind on assignments. My grades were not where I wanted them to be, and I felt stressed about meeting the expectations of college-level work.

To overcome this challenge, I realized that I needed to improve my time management skills. I started by creating a detailed schedule that outlined all my assignments and their due dates. This helped me prioritize tasks and allocate time effectively for studying, writing, and completing projects. By breaking down larger assignments into smaller, manageable tasks, I was able to make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Seeking feedback was another important step in overcoming this challenge. I regularly visited my instructors during office hours to discuss my essays and ask for guidance on how to improve. Their feedback was invaluable in helping me refine my writing skills and develop a stronger understanding of the course material. Additionally, I took advantage of peer review sessions, where I exchanged drafts with classmates to gain different perspectives and insights.

Collaboration with classmates also played a key role in my success. In World History, we formed study groups to review material and prepare for exams. Discussing historical events and their significance with peers helped deepen my understanding and allowed me to see connections between different topics. This collaborative approach made the learning process more engaging and less isolating.

Despite the challenges, I remained motivated by my passion for learning and my goal of pursuing higher education at the University of Arkansas, where I plan to major in biology and kinesiology. I reminded myself that the skills I was developing in these courses, such as critical thinking, effective communication, and time management, would be essential in my future studies and career.

By the end of the year, my hard work and determination paid off. I successfully completed both English Composition 1 and 2, as well as World History, with grades that reflected my growth and understanding. This experience taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, the importance of seeking help, and the benefits of collaboration.

Overcoming the challenge of dual enrollment courses was not just about improving my grades; it was about developing skills and habits that will serve me well in college and beyond. As I prepare to attend the University of Arkansas, I feel more confident in my ability to tackle difficult coursework and manage my time effectively. I am excited to continue exploring my interests in biology and kinesiology and to apply what I have learned from this experience to future academic challenges.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming the challenge of dual enrollment courses was a pivotal moment in my high school career. It reinforced my passion for learning and taught me the importance of resilience, time management, and collaboration. These lessons will undoubtedly support me in my future studies and as I pursue a career in physical therapy, where understanding the human body and its functions is crucial. I am grateful for the experience and the growth it inspired, and I am eager to carry these lessons with me as I embark on the next chapter of my academic journey at the University of Arkansas.