by Tammy

by Tammy - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Tammy Guilbeau, and I am a freshman at L. E. Fletcher Technical Community College, where I am majoring in Criminal Justice. As a first-time college student, I have faced several challenges, but one academic experience stands out as particularly difficult and transformative.

During my first semester, I enrolled in an Introduction to Criminal Justice course. I was excited to dive into the subject, but I quickly realized that college-level coursework was more demanding than anything I had encountered in high school. The pace was fast, the reading was dense, and the expectations were high. I felt overwhelmed and unsure if I could keep up.

The first major hurdle came with our first research paper assignment. We were tasked with writing a comprehensive analysis of a criminal justice issue of our choice. I chose to write about the impact of community policing on crime rates, a topic I found fascinating but also intimidating due to the vast amount of research available. As I began my research, I struggled to sift through the information and felt lost in a sea of academic articles and data.

My initial attempts at drafting the paper were disheartening. I could not seem to organize my thoughts coherently, and my arguments lacked depth. I received feedback from my professor on my outline, and it was clear that I needed to make significant improvements. I felt discouraged and worried about how I would manage to improve my work.

Determined to overcome this challenge, I decided to seek help. I reached out to my professor during office hours, something I had never done before. I was nervous, but my professor was incredibly supportive. She helped me understand how to narrow down my focus and guided me in developing a clearer thesis statement. She also suggested that I visit the college's writing center for additional support.

At the writing center, I worked with a tutor who taught me valuable strategies for organizing my research and structuring my paper. We broke down the assignment into smaller, manageable parts, and I learned how to create an outline that would guide my writing. The tutor also showed me how to critically evaluate sources and integrate them into my argument effectively.

With these new tools and support, I returned to my paper with renewed confidence. I dedicated time each day to work on it, gradually building my argument and refining my writing. I learned the importance of drafting and revising, and I started to see my paper take shape in a way that I was proud of.

When I finally submitted the paper, I felt a sense of accomplishment, regardless of the grade I would receive. I had pushed through my initial struggles and grown as a student in the process. When I got my paper back, I was thrilled to see that I had earned a good grade, and my professor's feedback highlighted the progress I had made.

This experience taught me several important lessons. First, I learned the value of seeking help and using available resources. Asking for assistance is not a sign of weakness; it is a step towards growth and understanding. I also realized the importance of perseverance and hard work. Challenges are a part of any academic journey, and overcoming them requires dedication and effort.

Furthermore, this experience solidified my passion for criminal justice. Despite the difficulties, I found the subject matter engaging and rewarding. It reinforced my desire to pursue a career in this field, where I can contribute to making communities safer and more just.

As I continue my studies, I carry these lessons with me. I am more confident in my abilities to tackle challenging assignments, and I am committed to maintaining a strong academic record. My GPA of 3.5 reflects my dedication, but more importantly, it represents my growth as a student who is willing to face challenges head-on.

In conclusion, the challenging experience of writing my first college research paper was a turning point in my academic journey. It taught me the importance of seeking support, persevering through difficulties, and remaining passionate about my field of study. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, and I am excited to continue my education in criminal justice.