Challenges from the track to the classroom by Sarvesh

Challenges from the track to the classroom by Sarvesh - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

During my time at Guyer High School, I have faced numerous academic challenges, but I have often drawn strength and inspiration from my experiences in cross country. Running has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of a growth mindset, which have helped me navigate difficult situations in my classes.

One of the most challenging academic experiences I encountered was during my junior year in AP Calculus. Math has always been a subject that I enjoy, but the complexity of calculus was unlike anything I had faced before. The intricate concepts and demanding problem sets were overwhelming, and I found myself struggling to keep up with the pace of the class. My grades were not where I wanted them to be, and I started to doubt my abilities.

In these moments of doubt, I turned to the lessons I learned from cross country. Running long distances requires mental toughness and the ability to push through discomfort. I realized that just like in a race, I needed to keep moving forward, even when the path seemed uphill. I reminded myself that challenges are opportunities for growth and that perseverance is key.

To tackle the difficulties in calculus, I decided to change my approach. I began by seeking help from my teacher, attending extra help sessions, and asking questions whenever I was uncertain about a concept. My teacher's support and encouragement reminded me of my cross country coach, who always pushed me to do my best and never give up.

I also formed a study group with classmates who were facing similar challenges. We met regularly to work through problem sets and explain concepts to each other. This collaborative effort mirrored the teamwork and camaraderie I experienced in cross country, where we encouraged each other to keep going, even when the race was tough.

In addition to seeking help and working with peers, I dedicated extra time to practice and review. Just as I would put in extra miles to improve my running, I spent additional hours solving calculus problems and watching online tutorials to reinforce my understanding. This consistent effort paid off, and I started to see improvement in my grades and confidence in my abilities.

Throughout this process, I often thought about stories of athletes who overcame adversity through hard work and determination. Their examples inspired me to keep pushing forward, even when the challenges seemed insurmountable. I realized that every difficult moment was an opportunity to learn and grow, both academically and personally.

By the end of the semester, I had not only improved my performance in calculus but also strengthened my belief in my ability to overcome obstacles. This experience taught me that with dedication, a positive mindset, and the support of others, I could dig myself out of any hole.

As I look ahead to college, where I plan to major in Computer Science or Cybersecurity, I am confident that the lessons I have learned from both my academic and athletic experiences will serve me well. I am excited to take on new challenges and continue growing, knowing that difficulty is just a stepping stone to success.

In conclusion, the challenges I faced in AP Calculus, combined with the lessons from cross country, have shaped me into a more resilient and determined student. I have learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to persevere through difficult times. These experiences have prepared me for the future, and I am eager to continue my journey of learning and self-improvement at a university like UC Berkeley, Stanford, or Texas A&M.