My Journey through College life by Maria

My Journey through College life by Maria - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My journey through college has been a rewarding experience, but it has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant academic hurdles I faced was during my first year at Glendale Community College. As a Criminal Justice major, I was excited to dive into my courses and learn as much as I could about the field. However, I soon realized that my enthusiasm alone was not enough to carry me through the rigorous coursework, especially when it came to my Introduction to Criminal Law class.

This course was notorious for being one of the most demanding in the program, and I quickly understood why. The amount of reading was overwhelming, and the legal jargon was like learning a new language. On top of that, the class discussions and exams required not just memorization, but a deep understanding and application of complex legal concepts. I found myself struggling to keep up with the pace and depth of the material.

The first few weeks were particularly tough. I remember feeling lost during lectures, unable to contribute meaningfully to discussions. My first exam grade was a wake-up call; I had not done as well as I had hoped. It was a blow to my confidence and made me question if I was cut out for this major. I knew I needed to find a way to overcome these challenges if I wanted to succeed.

The turning point came when I realized that I could not tackle this alone. I reached out to my professor, who was incredibly supportive and understanding. She encouraged me to attend her office hours, where she patiently explained the concepts I was struggling with. Her guidance helped demystify the subject matter and made it more accessible. Additionally, she suggested study techniques tailored to understanding legal material, like breaking down cases into simpler components and creating mind maps to visualize connections between concepts.

I also joined a study group with some classmates. This collaborative environment was invaluable. We would meet regularly to discuss the readings, quiz each other, and share insights. It was comforting to know that I was not the only one finding the material challenging, and together we supported each other through the course. The group helped me develop a deeper understanding of the topics and boosted my confidence in class discussions.

Beyond these immediate academic supports, I also had to work on my time management skills. Balancing my coursework with part-time work and family commitments was a challenge in itself. I began to organize my schedule more effectively, allocating specific times for studying and sticking to them. This discipline helped me stay on top of my assignments and reduced the stress of last-minute cramming.

Another important aspect of overcoming this challenge was embracing a growth mindset. Instead of seeing my initial struggles as a sign of failure, I started to view them as opportunities to learn and grow. I reminded myself that learning a complex subject like criminal law was not supposed to be easy, and it was okay to ask for help and make mistakes along the way. This shift in perspective made a huge difference in how I approached my studies.

By the end of the semester, my hard work and perseverance paid off. I saw significant improvement in my grades and felt more confident in my understanding of the material. The experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience, the importance of seeking help, and the power of collaboration. These lessons have not only helped me in my academic journey but have also prepared me for the challenges I will face in my future career in criminal justice.

Reflecting on this experience, I am grateful for the support I received from my professor and peers, and for the opportunity to grow through adversity. I have learned that challenges are a natural part of the learning process and that overcoming them requires a combination of determination, resourcefulness, and support from others. As I continue my studies, I carry these lessons with me, knowing that they will serve me well in whatever challenges lie ahead.

This challenging academic experience has strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in criminal justice. I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community and advocating for justice and equality. I believe that the skills and resilience I have developed will be invaluable as I work towards these goals. I am excited to continue my education and contribute to the field in meaningful ways.