"The Power of Perseverance: Overcoming a Major Academic Challenge" by Naomi

"The Power of Perseverance: Overcoming a Major Academic Challenge" by Naomi - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

As I reflect on my academic journey so far, one challenging experience stands out vividly. It was during the first semester of my freshman year at the University of Maryland College Park, where I was diving headfirst into the world of general biology. I had always been passionate about science, intrigued by the intricate details of life and the promise of making a difference in the field of medicine. However, the transition from high school to college-level coursework was more difficult than I had anticipated.

In high school, I had maintained a perfect GPA of 4.2 while attending and leading many extracurriculars, which gave me a sense of confidence in my academic abilities. However, my first semester in college quickly humbled me. The volume of material, the pace of lectures, and the level of understanding required were all much higher than what I was used to. I found myself struggling particularly with general chemistry, a subject that was crucial for my major but felt like an insurmountable obstacle at the time.

General chemistry was unlike any science class I had ever taken. It was not like high school chemistry at all. It felt as though my high school structured its curriculum to be a so-called “easy A” class for students compared to college-level general chemistry. It was not just about memorizing facts; it required a deep understanding of complex concepts and the ability to apply them in problem-solving. The class was also structured for those who were already acquainted with chemistry. Despite attending all lectures, taking diligent notes, and spending countless hours in and out of the library, my first few exam scores and homework were disappointing. I felt overwhelmed and began to doubt my ability to succeed in the field I was so passionate about.

Determined not to let this challenge defeat me, I knew I had to change my approach. The first step was acknowledging that I needed help. I did not know where to begin; I was a new college student, still adjusting to the environment, unfamiliar of any resources available to students. I first reached out to my professor and attended office hours regularly, which was a bit intimidating at first. However, I soon realized that my professor was willing to help and appreciated my initiative to seek assistance. These sessions helped clarify concepts that I had been struggling with and allowed me to better memorize necessary material like nomenclature. In addition to seeking help from my professor through office hours, I also joined a study group with classmates who were facing similar challenges. Collaborating with others not only helped me understand the subject better but also boosted my aplomb, knowing that I was not alone in my struggles. However, despite all of my efforts, it seemed as though it was still not enough. The grading is still rigorous, and my progress was seemingly irreversible or beyond healing due to previous scores when I was struggling. Nearly half of the students in the class were enduring the same struggles I was facing. Now that I have far more knowledge than I used to, I decided to have a new fresh start and tackle this course with awareness, wisdom, discipline, and strategy.

This experience taught me that challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth. It reinforced the importance of resilience, seeking support, and being open to change. I have learned the importance of time management and effective study techniques. I learned how to break down the material into manageable chunks and set specific goals for each study session. I also incorporated active learning strategies, such as teaching the material to someone else or creating visual aids, which helped reinforce my understanding. My knowledge of chemistry increased exponentially, despite how much information is needed in this course, while also balancing other courses. Now I know how to approach this course on my new start.

As a Black woman pursuing a career in medicine, I am aware of the unique challenges that lie ahead. This experience in general chemistry has prepared me to face future obstacles with determination and resourcefulness. It has strengthened my resolve to contribute to the medical field, where I hope to make a meaningful impact on health disparities and inspire others from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue their dreams.

In conclusion, the challenging experience I faced during my freshman year taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, the importance of seeking help, and the power of community. These lessons will undoubtedly guide me as I continue my studies and work towards my goal of becoming a physician. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hope that it encourages others to embrace challenges as stepping stones to success.