My Academic Life by Makiya

My Academic Life by Makiya - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Makiya Edwards, and I am currently a freshman at Post University, pursuing a major in Criminal Justice. As a first-time college student, I have faced several challenges, but one academic experience stands out as particularly difficult. It taught me a lot about perseverance and the importance of seeking support when needed.

When I first started college, I was excited but also nervous about the workload and the expectations. Coming from a high school environment, I knew that college would be different, but I did not realize how different it would be until I faced my first major challenge: my Introduction to Criminal Justice class.

The class was not just about learning facts and figures; it required critical thinking, analysis, and a lot of writing. At first, I struggled to keep up with the reading assignments and found it hard to participate in class discussions because I felt like everyone else was more prepared than I was. The first few weeks were overwhelming, and I started to doubt my ability to succeed in the course.

The real challenge came when we were assigned our first major research paper. The topic was fascinating, but I had never written a college-level research paper before. I was unsure about how to structure my paper, how to find credible sources, and how to properly cite them. I spent hours in the library, trying to make sense of it all, but I felt like I was getting nowhere.

Feeling stuck, I knew I needed to change my approach. I decided to reach out for help, something that was not easy for me to do. I made an appointment with my professor during office hours to discuss my concerns. To my surprise, my professor was incredibly supportive and provided me with guidance on how to approach the research paper. She helped me break down the process into manageable steps, which made it seem less daunting.

In addition to seeking help from my professor, I also reached out to the campus writing center. The tutors there were a great resource, offering feedback on my drafts and helping me improve my writing skills. They taught me how to properly structure my arguments and how to integrate sources effectively. With their support, I slowly gained confidence in my writing abilities.

I also learned the importance of time management. Instead of trying to complete the paper all at once, I set small, achievable goals for myself each day. This approach helped me stay organized and reduced my stress levels. I created a schedule that included time for research, writing, revising, and, importantly, breaks to avoid burnout.

As I worked through these challenges, I discovered a passion for the subject matter that I had not anticipated. The more I learned about criminal justice, the more engaged I became. This newfound interest motivated me to push through the difficulties and keep improving.

When I finally submitted my research paper, I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had not felt before. It was not just about completing the assignment; it was about overcoming the obstacles that had seemed insurmountable at first. I received a grade that reflected the hard work and effort I had put in, which boosted my confidence and reassured me that I was on the right path.

This experience taught me several valuable lessons. I learned the importance of seeking help and using the resources available to me. I realized that asking for assistance is not a sign of weakness but a step towards growth. I also learned to be patient with myself and to trust in my ability to learn and adapt.

As I continue my studies in criminal justice, I carry these lessons with me. I am determined to face new challenges with the same resilience and openness to learning. I am grateful for the support I received and for the opportunity to grow through this experience. It has strengthened my resolve to succeed in my academic journey and beyond.

In conclusion, the challenging experience of writing my first college-level research paper taught me the value of perseverance, seeking help, and managing my time effectively. It was a turning point in my academic life, and it has prepared me to tackle future challenges with confidence. I am excited to continue my studies at Post University and to keep growing both academically and personally.