Overcoming My Struggles in College Math by Manar

Overcoming My Struggles in College Math by Manar - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I started college, I thought I had everything figured out. After all, I had done well in high school, and I was ready to take on new challenges. But my first semester at Collin County Community College turned out to be a lot harder than I expected. Balancing a full schedule, staying on top of homework, and adjusting to college-level expectations was overwhelming, and my biggest struggle was in my algebra class.

I had always been decent at math, but the transition to college-level algebra hit me hard. The pace was faster, the concepts were more complex, and for the first time in my academic life, I was struggling to keep up. There were times when I felt completely lost, like I was missing something everyone else seemed to get. It was frustrating, especially because I wasn’t used to not understanding something right away.

Realizing I couldn’t do it on my own, I decided to take a more active approach. I started going to my professor’s office hours and asking questions, something I’d never really done before. That helped a lot, but I also started seeking out additional resources. I used online videos and practice problems to break down the concepts at my own pace. Joining a study group was another turning point. It helped to talk through the material with others who were facing the same challenges.

Gradually, I started to get it. The more I worked at it, the clearer things became. I learned how to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable pieces, and I started feeling more confident in my ability to tackle tough subjects. By the end of the semester, I had not only passed my algebra class but had gained a whole new appreciation for problem-solving and persistence.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: it’s okay to struggle, and the important part is figuring out how to keep going. I learned that sometimes you need to ask for help, try different approaches, and stick with it. Now, I approach every challenge with the mindset that I can overcome it, as long as I stay focused and keep trying.

In the end, my math struggles were more than just about passing a class—they taught me the kind of perseverance I’ll need throughout my whole academic journey.