Describe a challenging academic experience you have faced and how you overcame it. by Sariya

Describe a challenging academic experience you have faced and how you overcame it. by Sariya - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Sariya Higgins, and as a rising freshman preparing to enter college, I have faced my share of academic challenges. One experience that stands out is the struggle I had with keeping up my grades during high school. It was not just about the difficulty of the subjects, but also about finding the motivation and support needed to succeed. My high school GPA was a 2, which reflects the hurdles I had to overcome, but it also tells a story of resilience and growth.

During my junior year, I found myself in a tough situation. I was juggling multiple responsibilities at home and school, which made it hard to focus on my studies. My grades started to slip, and I was worried about my future. I knew that I needed to make a change, but I was not sure where to start.

The first step I took was to reach out for help. I talked to my teachers and explained what I was going through. They were understanding and offered me extra support, like tutoring sessions and advice on how to manage my time better. This taught me that it is okay to ask for help and that there are people willing to support you if you just reach out.

Another important step was learning how to manage my time effectively. I realized that I needed to create a balance between my schoolwork and other responsibilities. I started using a planner to organize my tasks and set specific times for studying. This helped me stay on track and made my workload feel more manageable.

I also had to change my mindset about learning. Instead of seeing it as a chore, I tried to find things that interested me in each subject. For example, in math, I began to see the real-world applications of what we were learning, which made the subject more engaging. In English, I started to enjoy reading and analyzing different texts. By finding personal connections to the material, I was able to stay motivated and improve my performance.

One of the biggest lessons I learned from this experience was the importance of perseverance. There were times when I felt overwhelmed and wanted to give up, but I reminded myself of my goals and the future I wanted to build. I kept pushing forward, even when it was hard, and slowly but surely, I began to see improvement in my grades.

As I prepare to enter college, I know that the challenges I faced in high school have prepared me for the road ahead. I am planning to major in finance, accounting, public relations, or operations management, and I am excited about the opportunities that college will bring. I am also aware that college will come with its own set of challenges, but I feel more equipped to handle them because of what I have learned.

I am proud of how far I have come and grateful for the support I received along the way. This experience taught me that challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities to grow and learn. It showed me the value of persistence, the power of asking for help, and the importance of staying organized and motivated.

I believe that my experience will help me succeed in college and beyond. I am committed to continuing to work hard and to making the most of the opportunities that come my way. I am excited to learn and grow in my chosen field and to contribute to my community in meaningful ways.

In conclusion, the academic challenges I faced in high school were difficult, but they also shaped me into the person I am today. They taught me valuable lessons that I will carry with me as I embark on my college journey. I am determined to overcome any obstacles that come my way and to achieve my goals. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and I hope that it can inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.