My challenge by Ryan

My challenge by Ryan - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My journey through college has been filled with many challenges, but one academic experience stands out as particularly formative. As a sophomore finance major at Jacksonville State University, I found myself struggling in my Financial Accounting class. This course was crucial for my major, and I quickly realized that it was not going to be a walk in the park. The concepts were complex, and I initially found the pace overwhelming. However, this challenge taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, resourcefulness, and the importance of seeking help when needed.

From the start, I knew that Financial Accounting was going to be tough. The class delved deep into concepts like the accounting cycle, financial statements, and various accounting principles that were completely new to me. In the first few weeks, I found myself lost in lectures, struggling to keep up with the material. Despite putting in countless hours of study, my grades on quizzes and assignments were not reflecting my efforts. It was disheartening to see my GPA, which I had worked hard to maintain, at risk.

At this point, I realized that I needed to change my approach. The first step I took was to acknowledge that I could not tackle this course on my own. I decided to reach out for help, something I had been hesitant to do before. I started by attending office hours regularly. My professor was incredibly supportive, taking the time to explain difficult concepts and providing guidance on how to approach complex problems. This direct interaction made a significant difference, as I was able to ask questions and receive immediate feedback.

In addition to seeking help from my professor, I also formed a study group with a few classmates. We met twice a week to review lecture notes, work through practice problems, and prepare for upcoming exams. This collaborative environment was beneficial because it allowed us to learn from each other’s strengths and perspectives. I discovered that explaining concepts to others helped reinforce my own understanding, and my classmates often had insights that I had not considered.

Another important step I took was to utilize additional resources outside of class. I found online tutorials and accounting forums that offered explanations and practice problems. These resources were invaluable for reinforcing what I learned in class and providing different approaches to solving accounting problems. I also made use of the university’s tutoring center, where I could get one-on-one assistance from tutors who had previously excelled in the course.

Time management became crucial as I juggled this demanding course with my other responsibilities. I created a detailed study schedule, allocating specific times for reviewing accounting material every day. This consistent practice helped me gradually build confidence in my abilities. I also learned to prioritize tasks and manage my time more effectively, skills that have been beneficial not just in this course, but throughout my college career.

As the semester progressed, I began to see improvements. My quiz scores started to rise, and I felt more confident in my understanding of the material. By the time the final exam came around, I was well-prepared and managed to perform much better than I had anticipated at the beginning of the course. The sense of accomplishment I felt was immense, not just because of the grade I earned, but because I had overcome a significant challenge through hard work and determination.

This experience taught me that facing academic challenges head-on, while seeking help and using available resources, is crucial for success. It also reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of difficulty. I learned that it is okay to struggle and that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

In the end, this challenging experience in Financial Accounting did more than just improve my understanding of accounting principles; it equipped me with skills and lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. It taught me how to approach challenges with a positive mindset, how to work collaboratively with others, and how to utilize resources effectively. These lessons have not only helped me in my academic pursuits but have also prepared me for future challenges in my career and life. I am grateful for this experience and the growth it spurred, and I am confident that it has made me a stronger student and a more resilient individual.