Overcoming Academic Obstacles by Sophia

Overcoming Academic Obstacles by Sophia - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

As a first-year student at Florida State University, I have quickly learned that college presents a whole new set of challenges compared to high school. While I was proud of my 3.82 GPA in high school, I knew that maintaining a high GPA in college would require even more dedication and effort. One of the most challenging academic experiences I faced was during my first semester, in a Criminology course that was foundational to my major. This course was not only crucial for my academic path but also incredibly demanding in terms of workload and expectations.

From the outset, I found the pace of the class to be overwhelming. The professor assigned extensive readings every week, and the lectures moved quickly through complex theories and concepts. I realized early on that my usual study habits were not going to suffice. I needed to adapt quickly to keep up and truly understand the material, rather than just memorizing it for exams.

The turning point came after I received a disappointing grade on my first major paper. I had spent hours working on it, but the feedback indicated that I had misunderstood some of the key concepts and failed to articulate my arguments effectively. It was a wake-up call that I needed to change my approach to learning and studying.

To overcome this challenge, I decided to take a step back and reassess my study strategies. First, I began attending office hours regularly. Initially, I was hesitant to approach my professor, fearing that I would be judged for not understanding the material. However, I soon discovered that office hours were a valuable resource. My professor was more than willing to clarify concepts and provide guidance on how to approach assignments. This not only helped me grasp the material better but also gave me confidence in my ability to succeed in the course.

Additionally, I formed a study group with a few classmates who were also struggling. We met weekly to discuss the readings, share notes, and quiz each other on key points. This collaborative environment made learning more interactive and less intimidating. I found that explaining concepts to others helped reinforce my own understanding, and hearing different perspectives often clarified ideas that I found confusing.

I also made use of the university's writing center, seeking feedback on my drafts before submitting final papers. The tutors there helped me improve my writing skills, teaching me how to construct stronger arguments and better organize my thoughts. This was invaluable not only for my Communications course but for all my classes, as writing is a critical skill across disciplines.

Time management was another area where I had to improve. Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and social life was challenging, but I learned to prioritize tasks and set realistic goals for each day. I started using a planner to keep track of deadlines and break down larger assignments into manageable parts. This prevented me from feeling overwhelmed and allowed me to focus on one task at a time.

Through these efforts, I was able to turn my performance around. By the end of the semester, I had not only improved my grades but also gained a deeper understanding of the subject matter. More importantly, I developed skills and strategies that have continued to serve me well in my academic journey.

This experience taught me the importance of seeking help and utilizing available resources. It also reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and adaptability. Challenges are an inevitable part of any academic journey, but they also present opportunities for growth and learning. I am grateful for the lessons I learned from this experience, as they have prepared me to face future challenges with resilience and confidence.

As I continue my studies in Criminology and eventually Law, I am excited to apply what I have learned to new subjects and experiences. I am committed to maintaining my academic performance and contributing positively to the FSU community. This scholarship would greatly support my educational pursuits, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue my path towards becoming an effective communicator and writer. Thank you for considering my application.