Overcoming Obstacles by Symorah

Overcoming Obstacles by Symorah - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

As a high school senior, I have faced many challenges, but none as significant as the one I encountered in my Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry class. This class was known for its difficulty, and I was both excited and nervous to take it. I have always been passionate about science, especially fields like Medicine, Medical/Biomedical Engineering, and Pharmacy, and I knew this class would be a crucial step in preparing for my college studies. However, the complexity of the material quickly became overwhelming, and I found myself struggling to keep up.

During the first few weeks, I was met with concepts that were far more advanced than anything I had encountered before. The periodic table, chemical equations, and stoichiometry were just the beginning. I spent hours each night trying to understand the material, but my grades did not reflect the effort I was putting in. It was disheartening to see my confidence wane as I struggled to grasp these challenging concepts.

I realized that I needed to change my approach if I wanted to succeed. The first step I took was reaching out for help. I approached my teacher after class and explained my difficulties. She was incredibly supportive and offered to meet with me for extra help sessions. These sessions were invaluable, as she was able to break down complex topics into more manageable pieces, making them easier to understand.

In addition to seeking help from my teacher, I joined a study group with some of my classmates. This group became a lifeline for me. We would meet regularly to review material, work through problems together, and quiz each other. The collaborative environment allowed me to see different perspectives and approaches to solving problems. It also provided a sense of camaraderie, knowing that I was not alone in facing these challenges.

Time management was another area where I needed improvement. Balancing homework, extracurricular activities, and family responsibilities was tough, and I had to find a way to prioritize my studies effectively. I started using a planner to organize my tasks and set specific goals for each study session. Breaking down assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks helped me stay on track and prevented me from feeling overwhelmed.

Another important lesson I learned was the value of perseverance. There were times when I felt like giving up, but I reminded myself of my passion for science and my long-term goals. I have always been fascinated by how things work, especially in the fields of medicine and engineering. This passion drove me to keep pushing forward, even when the coursework seemed impossible.

Being a Black woman in a challenging academic environment added another layer of complexity to my experience. I sometimes felt like I had to prove myself more than my peers, but this also fueled my determination to succeed. I sought out mentors who could relate to my experiences and found inspiration in their stories of overcoming obstacles.

Reflecting on this experience, I am proud of how far I have come. I learned that challenges are opportunities for growth and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I also discovered the importance of building a support network and managing my time effectively. These skills will be invaluable as I transition to college and pursue my studies in Medicine, Medical/Biomedical Engineering, and Pharmacy.

This challenging academic experience taught me resilience and reinforced my commitment to my goals. I am more confident in my abilities and better prepared to face future challenges. Winning this scholarship would not only help alleviate the financial burden of college but also bring me closer to achieving my dreams. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hopeful for what the future holds.