My Story - Academic and Financial Hardships by Nosakhare

My Story - Academic and Financial Hardships by Nosakhare - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Nosakhare Aduwa, and I am a junior at Texas State University, majoring in Public Policy and Administration. I would like to share a challenging academic experience I faced and how I overcame it, hoping it might inspire others who find themselves in similar situations.

Throughout my college journey, I have always been passionate about understanding how policies shape our communities and how administration can improve lives. However, my academic path has not been without its hurdles. One of the most significant challenges I faced was during my sophomore year when I struggled to maintain a satisfactory GPA. My GPA had dropped to 1.75, which was a major wake-up call for me, and I realized that I needed to make some serious changes to get back on track.

The drop in my GPA was due to a combination of factors. I had taken on a course load that was too heavy, and I was not managing my time effectively. Additionally, I was dealing with personal issues that made it difficult to focus on my studies. The stress of trying to juggle everything at once became overwhelming, and my academic performance suffered as a result.

At first, I felt embarrassed and discouraged. I questioned whether I was cut out for college and if I could succeed in my chosen field. However, I knew that giving up was not an option. I had to find a way to overcome this challenge and prove to myself that I could do better.

The first step I took was to reach out for help. I met with my academic advisor, who was incredibly supportive and helped me develop a plan to improve my academic standing. We reviewed my course load and made adjustments to ensure that I was not overwhelmed. I also sought advice from professors, who offered valuable insights into how I could better understand the course material and improve my study habits.

In addition to seeking support from my advisors and professors, I realized that I needed to improve my time management skills. I started using a planner to organize my schedule, setting aside specific times each day for studying, attending classes, and completing assignments. This helped me stay on top of my work and reduced the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Moreover, I joined study groups with classmates, which turned out to be incredibly beneficial. Not only did it provide a structured environment for learning, but it also allowed me to gain different perspectives on the material. Discussing topics with peers helped me grasp concepts that I had previously found difficult to understand.

Another important change I made was prioritizing self-care. I learned that taking care of my mental and physical health was crucial to my academic success. I started incorporating regular exercise into my routine, which helped me manage stress and improve my focus. I also made sure to get enough sleep and eat nutritious meals, as these factors greatly impacted my energy levels and ability to concentrate.

As I implemented these changes, I began to see improvements in my academic performance. My grades gradually improved, and I started to regain confidence in my abilities. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and the value of seeking help when needed. It also reinforced my passion for Public Policy and Administration, as I realized how much I wanted to succeed in this field and make a positive impact on society.

Looking back, I am grateful for the challenges I faced because they taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of asking for help. I learned that it is okay to struggle and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. This experience has made me more determined to succeed in my studies and pursue a career where I can contribute to the betterment of our communities.

In conclusion, overcoming this academic challenge has been a significant turning point in my college journey. It has taught me the importance of resilience, time management, and self-care. I am now more motivated than ever to excel in my studies and achieve my goals. I hope to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges to persevere and seek the support they need to succeed. Thank you for considering my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest.