Challenge academically by Oluwanifesimi

Challenge academically by Oluwanifesimi - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I think about my academic journey, one challenging experience stands out. It was during my junior year of high school, a time when I was struggling to keep up with my classes. My GPA was not where I wanted it to be, and I was worried about my future, especially my dream of studying business in college. I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to turn things around.

The challenge began with math, a subject that has always been tough for me. That year, I was taking Algebra II, and it felt like I was constantly falling behind. No matter how hard I tried, the concepts just did not click. My grades reflected this struggle, and it was discouraging to see my efforts not pay off. I knew I needed to improve, not just for my GPA, but because I would need these skills for my future studies in business.

At first, I tried to handle it on my own. I spent hours with my textbook, watching online tutorials, and doing extra practice problems. But no matter how much time I put in, I still felt lost. It was frustrating and, at times, I wanted to give up. However, I realized that giving up was not an option if I wanted to achieve my dreams.

One day, I decided to reach out for help. I approached my math teacher after class and explained my situation. I was nervous, worried that she might think I was not trying hard enough. But to my surprise, she was very understanding. She suggested that I come to her office hours for extra help and also recommended a peer tutoring program at our school.

I started attending her office hours regularly. During these sessions, she explained the concepts in a way that made more sense to me. She was patient and took the time to answer all my questions, no matter how basic they seemed. Her support made a huge difference, and I began to feel more confident in my abilities.

In addition to the help from my teacher, I joined the peer tutoring program. My tutor was a senior who had taken the same class the previous year. She was really good at breaking down complex problems into simple steps. Working with her, I started to see patterns and connections in math that I had missed before. The tutoring sessions were not just about solving problems; they were about learning how to think critically and approach challenges with a positive mindset.

As I continued to work hard, my grades gradually improved. It was not an overnight transformation, but each small victory motivated me to keep pushing forward. By the end of the semester, I managed to raise my grade significantly. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and seeking help when needed. It showed me that challenges are opportunities to grow and learn.

This academic challenge also taught me valuable lessons that extend beyond the classroom. I learned how to advocate for myself and the importance of building a support network. I realized that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. These skills will be crucial as I pursue a business degree, where collaboration and communication are key.

Looking back, I am grateful for the struggle because it prepared me for future challenges. I know that college will bring its own set of difficulties, but I am ready to face them with resilience and determination. My experience with Algebra II has given me the confidence to tackle any obstacle that comes my way.

As I prepare to take the next step in my academic journey, I am excited about the opportunities that await me. I am eager to learn more about business and to apply my skills in real-world situations. I want to make a positive impact in my community and inspire others who face similar challenges.

In conclusion, overcoming my struggles with math was a defining moment in my academic career. It taught me that with hard work, support, and a positive attitude, I can overcome any challenge. I am thankful for the teachers and peers who helped me along the way, and I am committed to paying it forward by supporting others in their academic journeys. I believe that my experiences have prepared me well for college, and I am ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.