Varsity Tutors by Madison

Varsity Tutors by Madison - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Madison Wareham, and I am a High School graduate and work full time. I have plans to attend Salt Lake Community College to major in Social Work. Throughout my high school journey, I have encountered various academic challenges that have tested my perseverance and determination. One experience, in particular, stands out as a defining moment in my academic career, and it has taught me valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of seeking help when needed.

During my junior year, I faced a particularly challenging time in my algebra class. Math has always been a subject that required extra effort on my part, but this course seemed especially difficult. The concepts were more abstract, and I found myself struggling to keep up with the pace of the lessons. My grades began to slip, and I started to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. I knew that if I did not find a way to overcome this hurdle, it could impact my overall GPA and my future college plans.

At first, I tried to tackle the problem on my own. I spent hours going over my notes, watching online tutorials, and practicing problems. Despite my efforts, I still felt lost during class and my test scores did not improve. It was frustrating to feel like I was putting in so much work without seeing any results. I started to doubt my abilities and questioned if I would ever be able to grasp the material.

Realizing that I could not do it alone, I decided to seek help from my teacher. I approached her after class one day and explained my struggles. She was understanding and offered to meet with me during lunch hours for additional tutoring. These one-on-one sessions made a significant difference. My teacher broke down the concepts into smaller, more manageable parts and provided practical examples that related to real-world situations. This approach helped me see the relevance of what I was learning and made the material more engaging.

In addition to the extra help from my teacher, I also formed a study group with a few classmates who were facing similar challenges. We met a couple of times a week to go over homework, review for tests, and support each other. Working together allowed us to share different perspectives and problem-solving techniques. It was comforting to know that I was not alone in my struggles and that we could rely on each other for encouragement.

As I continued to put in the work and utilize the resources available to me, I began to see improvement. My confidence grew as I started to understand the material better, and my test scores gradually increased. By the end of the semester, I had not only passed the class but had also developed a newfound appreciation for math. This experience taught me that it is okay to ask for help and that collaboration can be a powerful tool in overcoming challenges.

Looking back, I am grateful for the lessons I learned during that challenging time. It reinforced the importance of perseverance and showed me that obstacles can be overcome with determination and the right support. This experience also sparked my interest in social work. I realized that just as I had benefited from the guidance and support of others, I wanted to be in a position to help others navigate their own challenges. Social work is a field where I can make a difference in people's lives, providing support and resources to those in need.

As I prepare to transition to college, I carry with me the resilience and problem-solving skills I developed during my high school years. I am excited about the opportunity to study social work at Salt Lake Community College and to continue growing both academically and personally. I understand that college will present its own set of challenges, but I am confident in my ability to face them head-on.

In conclusion, the challenging academic experience I faced in my algebra class taught me invaluable lessons about seeking help, the power of collaboration, and the importance of perseverance. These lessons have shaped who I am today and have fueled my passion for social work. I am eager to continue my education and to use my experiences to help others overcome their own obstacles. Thank you for considering my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.