A struggle worth fighting by Srividya

A struggle worth fighting by Srividya - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I think about my high school journey, one academic challenge stands out clearly in my mind. It was my junior year, and I was taking an advanced physics class that was known for its difficulty. Physics has always fascinated me, especially because it connects so well with my interest in mechanical engineering. However, this class was unlike any other I had taken before. The concepts were complex, and the pace was fast. I found myself struggling to keep up, and my grades reflected that struggle.

At first, I felt overwhelmed and a bit discouraged. I had always been a good student, and facing difficulties in a subject I was passionate about was disheartening. I realized that I needed to change my approach if I wanted to succeed. The first step I took was to seek help. I started attending extra help sessions with my teacher. These sessions were incredibly helpful because they allowed me to ask questions in a smaller, more focused setting. My teacher was patient and explained things in different ways until I understood.

In addition to seeking help from my teacher, I formed a study group with a few classmates. We met regularly to review the material, work on problem sets, and prepare for exams together. This collaborative approach was beneficial because it allowed us to learn from each other. Sometimes, a classmate could explain a concept in a way that made more sense to me than the textbook or lectures did. We also motivated each other to keep going when things got tough.

Another strategy I used was to change my study habits. I realized that simply reading the textbook was not enough. I started to actively engage with the material by taking detailed notes, creating mind maps, and teaching the concepts to myself out loud. Teaching the material, even if just to myself, helped solidify my understanding. I also made use of online resources, such as educational videos and forums, to gain different perspectives on the topics we were studying.

Time management became crucial. Balancing my physics class with other schoolwork and extracurricular activities was challenging. I began to use a planner to organize my time better, setting aside specific blocks for studying physics. This helped me stay on track and reduced the stress of trying to cram before tests.

As the semester progressed, I noticed a gradual improvement in my understanding and my grades. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of seeking help when needed. It also reinforced my love for physics and engineering, as overcoming the challenge made the subject even more rewarding.

Through this experience, I learned that facing challenges is a part of the learning process. It taught me resilience and the importance of adapting my strategies to overcome obstacles. These lessons will undoubtedly be valuable as I pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. I know that university will present its own set of challenges, but I feel better prepared to tackle them because of what I learned in my high school physics class.

Ultimately, this challenging academic experience strengthened my determination to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and eager to continue learning and growing. I believe that the skills I developed during this time—such as problem-solving, collaboration, and time management—will serve me well in my future studies and career.

I am grateful for the support I received from my teacher and classmates, and for the lessons I learned about myself. This experience has shown me that with hard work, determination, and the right support, I can overcome academic challenges and achieve my goals. I am looking forward to applying these lessons at a higher level where I hope to further my education and passion for mechanical engineering.