My nursing school struggles so far. by Skyler

My nursing school struggles so far. by Skyler - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I first stepped into Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College as a nursing major, I was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Nursing has always been my dream, a calling to help others and make a difference, but I knew it would not be an easy path. The thought of tackling anatomy and physiology, courses notorious for their difficulty, was daunting. I was genuinely worried about whether I could handle the pressure and complexity of these subjects.

From the start, my fears seemed justified. The sheer volume of information in my anatomy and physiology class was overwhelming. There were endless terms to memorize, complex bodily processes to understand, and detailed diagrams that seemed impossible to grasp. Despite putting in hours of study, my efforts felt futile when my quiz and exam scores did not reflect the hard work I was putting in. I was frustrated and began to doubt my abilities, wondering if I was truly cut out for nursing.

Realizing I could not continue down this path alone, I reached out for help. I joined study groups with classmates, hoping to find some clarity. These sessions were a lifeline. Hearing my peers explain concepts in their own words often made things click for me. We quizzed each other, shared study tips, and broke down the material into chunks that felt more manageable. It was a relief to know that I was not alone in my struggle.

I also sought help from the college’s tutoring center, where patient tutors guided me through difficult topics and offered additional practice problems. They taught me how to study smarter, not harder, with techniques like flashcards and mnemonic devices. Learning to actively engage with the material, whether by teaching it to someone else or drawing diagrams from memory, made a significant difference.

Time management was another hurdle I had to overcome. Balancing coursework, part-time work, and personal responsibilities felt like an impossible juggling act. I realized I needed a better plan, so I started using a planner to organize my time. By setting aside regular study sessions, I avoided the panic of last-minute cramming and found a rhythm that made studying less stressful.

Even with these changes, there were moments when I felt utterly overwhelmed. During these times, I reminded myself of why I chose nursing. The desire to help and care for others has always been my driving force. Keeping this goal in mind gave me the strength to push through the toughest days.

Gradually, my hard work began to show results. My grades improved, and I felt more confident in my understanding of the material. Exams that once filled me with dread became opportunities to prove to myself how far I had come. By the end of the semester, I not only passed but achieved a grade that made me proud.

This challenging experience taught me invaluable lessons. I learned the importance of reaching out for help and the strength found in collaboration. I discovered that perseverance and dedication are key to overcoming obstacles. Most importantly, I realized that with the right strategies and mindset, I can face any academic challenge that comes my way.

As I continue my journey in nursing, I am aware that more challenges lie ahead. But now, I feel more prepared to tackle them. I am deeply grateful for the support of my classmates, tutors, and instructors, and I am determined to keep striving toward my goal of becoming a compassionate and competent nurse. This journey has tested me, but it has also shown me what I am capable of, and I am eager to see where it leads me.