Life’s Challenges by Nasiah

Life’s Challenges by Nasiah - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I started my freshman year at Texas Tech University, I was excited but also a bit nervous about the challenges ahead. Being a Communications major, I knew I would have to tackle a lot of writing and public speaking, which were not my strongest skills in high school. My high school GPA was a solid 3.6, but I knew college would be a different ballgame.

One of the most challenging academic experiences I faced was in my first semester during my Introduction to Communication course. Our professor assigned us a group project that required us to research a communication theory and present our findings to the entire class. Public speaking was something I had always struggled with, and the thought of presenting in front of my peers made me anxious. Additionally, working in a group with people I had just met added another layer of difficulty.

At first, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to approach the project. I wanted to contribute to the group, but I was worried that my fear of speaking in public would hold me back. However, I knew that this was an opportunity to grow and improve my skills. I decided to face my fear head-on and take an active role in the project.

To overcome my anxiety, I started by breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks. I took the initiative to research our topic thoroughly, which helped me feel more confident in my understanding of the material. I also practiced my part of the presentation multiple times, both alone and in front of friends, to get used to speaking out loud. This practice helped me become more comfortable with the content and reduced my nervousness about speaking in front of the class.

Working with my group was another challenge, as we all had different schedules and work styles. To address this, I suggested setting up regular meetings and creating a shared online document where we could all contribute our research and ideas. This approach helped us stay organized and ensured that everyone was on the same page. I learned the importance of communication and collaboration, which are essential skills in any group project.

On the day of the presentation, I was still nervous, but I felt more prepared and confident than I had at the beginning of the semester. As I spoke, I focused on the material I had practiced and reminded myself that I was knowledgeable about the topic. My group members were supportive, and we worked well together to deliver a cohesive presentation.

In the end, our project was well-received, and we received positive feedback from our professor and classmates. This experience taught me that facing my fears and putting in the effort to prepare can lead to success. I also realized the value of teamwork and how effective communication can enhance collaboration.

Overcoming this challenge was a significant milestone in my academic journey. It not only improved my public speaking skills but also boosted my confidence in my ability to handle difficult situations. I have carried these lessons with me into other courses and have continued to push myself outside of my comfort zone.

As a woman of mixed race, being both White and Black or African American, I have learned the importance of embracing my unique perspective and using it to my advantage. My diverse background has taught me resilience and adaptability, which have been invaluable in overcoming academic challenges.

Reflecting on this experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn. It has reinforced my passion for Communications and my desire to succeed in my studies at Texas Tech University. I am determined to continue developing my skills and to make the most of my college experience.

In conclusion, facing the challenge of a group project and public speaking during my first semester was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. Through preparation, practice, and teamwork, I was able to overcome my fears and succeed. This experience has equipped me with the confidence and skills to tackle future challenges, and I am excited to see where my education will take me.