. by Maulana

. by Maulana - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I first started college at Peru State, I knew it was going to be different from high school, but I did not realize how much of a challenge it would be. One of the biggest academic hurdles I faced was my first semester in accounting. As a freshman majoring in accounting, I was excited yet nervous about diving into my major courses. I have always been good with numbers and enjoyed math, but accounting was a whole new world.

The challenge hit me during my first accounting class. The concepts were not just about numbers; they were about understanding the language of business, and it required a level of precision and attention to detail that I had not experienced before. The terms like "debits" and "credits" seemed like a foreign language, and the idea of balancing ledgers felt overwhelming. I remember sitting in class, listening to the professor explain the accounting cycle, and feeling completely lost. It was like everyone else understood what was happening, but I was stuck trying to catch up.

I realized I needed to do something if I wanted to succeed. The first thing I did was admit to myself that I needed help. That was not easy for me, as I have always been someone who likes to figure things out on my own. But I knew that if I continued on the path I was on, I would struggle. So, I reached out to my professor during office hours. I was nervous about admitting that I was having trouble, but I was surprised at how understanding and helpful my professor was. He took the time to explain the concepts in a way that made sense to me and provided extra resources that I could use to study.

In addition to seeking help from my professor, I also formed a study group with a few classmates. This was a game-changer for me. Being able to discuss the material with others and hear different perspectives helped me understand it better. We would meet a couple of times a week to go over our notes, work through practice problems, and quiz each other. It was comforting to know that I was not the only one finding the material challenging, and we supported each other through it.

I also took advantage of online resources. There are so many tutorials and practice exercises available that can break down complex topics into more manageable parts. I found several videos that explained accounting principles in a way that clicked for me. I would watch them multiple times until I felt confident about the topic.

Time management was another skill I had to improve. Balancing college life with academics was a new experience, and I quickly learned that procrastination was not an option. I started using a planner to organize my tasks and set specific times for studying. Breaking down my study sessions into smaller, focused periods helped me absorb the material better without feeling overwhelmed.

Through these efforts, I gradually began to understand accounting better. I remember the moment when I was able to balance my first ledger without any mistakes. It was a small victory, but it felt huge to me. It was proof that my hard work was paying off. By the end of the semester, I had not only passed my accounting class, but I had done so with a grade that I was proud of.

This experience taught me a lot about perseverance and the importance of seeking help when needed. It also showed me that challenges are opportunities for growth. I learned how to adapt my learning strategies and manage my time effectively, skills that are valuable in any field.

As a first-time college student, overcoming this challenge was a significant milestone for me. It reinforced my passion for accounting and gave me confidence in my ability to tackle difficult subjects. I know that there will be more challenges ahead, but I am better prepared to face them because of what I learned during my first semester.

This experience has also highlighted the importance of community and support. Whether it was my professor, classmates, or online resources, having a network to rely on made all the difference. I am grateful for the support I received and hope to offer the same to others who might face similar challenges.

In conclusion, my first semester of accounting was a challenging academic experience that taught me resilience, the value of seeking help, and effective study strategies. These lessons will stay with me throughout my college career and beyond, as I continue pursuing my goals in accounting.