My Journey by Murtadha

My Journey by Murtadha - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Murtadha Musa, and I am currently a junior majoring in Cybersecurity at National University. When I reflect on my academic journey, there is one challenging experience that stands out, which taught me resilience and the importance of seeking help when needed.

During my sophomore year, I encountered a particularly tough semester. I was taking a full course load, which included a challenging programming class that was crucial for my major. The course, which focused on network security, was known for its rigorous curriculum and demanding projects. I knew it was going to be hard, but I was determined to do well because it was essential for my future career in cybersecurity.

At the start of the semester, I struggled to keep up with the pace of the class. The concepts were complex, and I found myself spending countless hours trying to understand the material. Despite my efforts, I was not performing well on the quizzes and assignments. My grades were slipping, and I started to doubt my abilities. It was a daunting experience because I had never faced such difficulty in my academic life before.

The turning point came when I received a particularly low grade on a midterm exam. It was a wake-up call, and it forced me to reevaluate my approach to learning. I realized that I needed to change my study habits and seek help if I wanted to succeed. I decided to reach out to my professor and explain my struggles. This was a big step for me because I had always been hesitant to ask for help, thinking it might reflect poorly on my abilities.

To my surprise, my professor was very understanding and supportive. He offered to meet with me during office hours to go over the material I was struggling with. These sessions were incredibly helpful, as they allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and address any questions I had. I also started attending study groups with my classmates, which provided an opportunity to learn from others and share different perspectives on the material.

In addition to seeking help from my professor and peers, I also made changes to my study routine. I began dedicating specific hours each day to focus solely on the programming class, breaking down the material into manageable sections. I used online resources and tutorials to supplement my learning, which helped reinforce the concepts I was being taught in class.

Slowly but surely, I began to see improvements. My grades on assignments and quizzes started to rise, and I gained more confidence in my abilities. The experience taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of not being afraid to ask for help. It also highlighted the significance of effective time management and the need to adapt my study strategies to fit the demands of the course.

By the end of the semester, I had not only passed the class but had also developed a stronger understanding of network security, which is vital for my future career in cybersecurity. This challenging experience taught me that setbacks are a part of learning and that overcoming them requires a proactive approach and the willingness to seek assistance when necessary.

Looking back, I am grateful for the challenges I faced during that semester because they helped me grow both academically and personally. They reinforced my passion for cybersecurity and strengthened my resolve to succeed in this field. I am now more prepared to tackle future challenges, knowing that I have the skills and resilience to overcome them.

As I continue my studies and look forward to transferring to National University, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I am committed to applying the lessons I have learned to excel in my academic and professional pursuits. This experience has shown me that with determination, support, and the right resources, I can overcome any obstacle in my path.

In conclusion, the challenging academic experience I faced during my sophomore year was a pivotal moment in my college journey. It taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, seeking help, and adapting my study habits to achieve success. I am confident that these lessons will continue to guide me as I pursue my degree in cybersecurity and work towards my goals.