Academic scare by Rosanna

Academic scare by Rosanna - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Starting college, I believed I was ready to handle anything. I had juggled school and work since I was 15, so I thought I knew how to manage pressure. However, during my freshman year, I faced a challenge I hadn’t anticipated—my first panic attack. It happened during a music play exam, a moment that tested not only my academic abilities but also my mental health. That experience taught me the importance of seeking help, managing stress, and building resilience.

The music play exam was a critical part of my grade, and I had spent weeks preparing. As the day approached, I felt the weight of expectations build, compounded by my long work hours and lack of sleep. When the exam began, I froze. My hands trembled, my heart raced, and I couldn’t focus on the piece in front of me. I felt an overwhelming sense of failure, and halfway through, I had to leave the room. It was my first panic attack, and it left me shaken and unsure of how to move forward.

Afterward, I realized I couldn’t face this alone. I sought support from my academic advisor, who encouraged me to connect with a counselor on campus. Through therapy, I learned that my panic attack was a response to the overwhelming stress I had been carrying. My counselor introduced me to breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques to help me stay grounded during high-pressure moments.

In addition, I restructured my schedule to balance work and study more effectively. I also practiced breaking tasks into smaller steps, focusing on progress rather than perfection. For future exams, I worked with my professors to set realistic goals and gradually rebuild my confidence. By my next performance, I felt more in control and prepared to face the challenge.

Failing to complete my music play exam was a humbling experience, but it ultimately taught me resilience and the value of seeking help. That moment pushed me to confront my anxiety and develop strategies to manage stress, which have since improved both my academic performance and my overall well-being. While I still face challenges, I now approach them with greater self-awareness and the confidence that I can overcome them.