All about me by Sharon

All about me by Sharon - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Sharon Nwodo, and I am a junior at Union College, majoring in Nursing. I am writing to share a challenging academic experience I have faced and how I worked to overcome it. This journey has not been easy, but it has taught me resilience and the importance of seeking help when needed.

When I first started college, I was excited and eager to learn. I knew that nursing was my passion and that I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. However, the transition from high school to college was more difficult than I anticipated. In high school, I had a GPA of 2.7, which was not the best, but I managed to get by. College, on the other hand, was a whole new ball game. The workload was heavier, the expectations were higher, and I found myself struggling to keep up.

During my freshman year, I faced a series of personal challenges that affected my academic performance. I had to balance my studies with responsibilities at home, and I found it hard to focus on my coursework. My grades began to slip, and by the end of my first year, my GPA had dropped to 1.2. It was a tough pill to swallow, and I felt like I was letting myself and my family down.

I knew I had to make a change, but I was not sure where to start. I felt overwhelmed and unsure of my abilities. However, I realized that I could not give up on my dream of becoming a nurse. I needed to find a way to overcome these challenges and improve my academic performance.

The first step I took was to reach out for help. I met with my academic advisor, who helped me create a plan to get back on track. We discussed my struggles and identified areas where I needed to improve. My advisor suggested that I take advantage of the tutoring services offered by the college, which I had not considered before. This was a turning point for me.

I started attending tutoring sessions regularly, and I found that having someone to guide me through difficult concepts made a significant difference. The tutors were patient and understanding, and they helped me develop better study habits. I also learned the importance of time management and began to prioritize my tasks more effectively.

In addition to seeking academic support, I realized that I needed to take care of my mental and emotional well-being. I began to set aside time for self-care, whether it was going for a walk, reading a book, or simply taking a break when I felt overwhelmed. This helped me manage my stress and approach my studies with a clearer mind.

Another key factor in overcoming my academic challenges was the support of my peers. I joined study groups and connected with classmates who were facing similar struggles. We encouraged each other and shared resources, which created a sense of community and accountability. Knowing that I was not alone in this journey gave me the motivation to keep pushing forward.

Slowly but surely, I began to see improvements in my grades. It was not an overnight transformation, but with consistent effort and determination, I was able to raise my GPA. This experience taught me that setbacks are a part of life, but they do not define who I am. What matters is how I choose to respond to those challenges.

Reflecting on this journey, I have learned valuable lessons that extend beyond academics. I have learned the importance of perseverance, the power of asking for help, and the strength that comes from community support. These lessons have not only helped me in my studies but have also prepared me for a career in nursing, where empathy, resilience, and teamwork are essential.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and I hope that it can inspire others who may be facing similar challenges. My academic journey has been filled with ups and downs, but it has shaped me into the person I am today. I am committed to continuing my education and achieving my goal of becoming a nurse, and I am determined to overcome any obstacles that come my way.

Thank you for considering my application for the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Contest. This scholarship would greatly assist me in continuing my education and pursuing my dreams. I am excited about the future and the impact I can make in the field of nursing.